When it comes to keeping our dogs happy and healthy, weight management is a crucial part of the equation. Whether your pup is struggling to shed extra pounds or needs to gain strength, the right approach can make all the difference. As a certified canine nutritionist, I’ve seen firsthand how raw feeding—when done thoughtfully—can support both weight loss and gain. Let’s break down the key strategies to help your dog thrive.

1. Structure Your Feeding Routine for Success

Dogs thrive on consistency, and a structured feeding schedule is a game-changer for weight management. Here’s how to make it work:

Introduction

The recent outbreak of H5N1, a highly pathogenic avian influenza virus, has raised concerns about pet food safety. As a responsible pet owner, it’s essential to understand the measures being taken by pet food companies and how you can protect your furry friend.

1. How Pet Food Companies Are Responding

Many pet food brands have emphasized their commitment to safety by sourcing USDA-inspected meats and implementing rigorous testing protocols.

• Halshan Premium Food and New Zealand Natural Pet Food highlight their use of human-grade meats and USDA/FDA inspections, with New Zealand’s strict biosecurity measures adding an extra layer of protection.
• Viva Raw and NutriBites confirm that their poultry suppliers test flocks for HPAI (highly pathogenic avian influenza) and euthanize infected flocks to prevent spread.
• OnlyPaws and PurrPops (Bonkers) state their products are cooked or gently processed to enhance safety.

2. Processing Methods

Some brands rely on non-HPP (high-pressure processing) methods to ensure safety:

Why Raw Diets Are Not Recommended

1. Bacterial Contamination
   Raw meat and bones can harbor harmful pathogens like Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria. These bacteria can cause severe illness in dogs, including diarrhea, vomiting, and even sepsis. Humans can also contract these infections through contact with contaminated food or surfaces, posing a risk to families.

2. Nutritional Imbalances
   A raw diet requires precise balancing of proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Without proper planning, dogs may develop deficiencies (e.g., calcium, vitamin D) or excesses (e.g., phosphorus), leading to long-term health issues like kidney disease or skeletal problems. Commercially prepared raw diets are often recommended to ensure nutritional adequacy.

About the Author:

Dr. Luna Hart Certified Canine Nutritionist & Holistic Pet Wellness Advocate

Why Choose a Raw Diet for Your Dog?

Raw feeding mimics what dogs would eat in the wild, providing essential nutrients in their most bioavailable forms. Benefits include:

• Improved digestion and coat health
• Stronger immune systems
• Reduced risk of allergies and chronic conditions
• Natural energy and vitality

However, it’s crucial to ensure the diet is balanced and tailored to your dog’s age, size, and activity level.

Why Spring Allergies Are a Challenge

Spring allergies, often triggered by pollen from blooming trees, grasses, and weeds, can wreak havoc on your health. Common culprits include oak, birch, and ragweed pollen, which travel through the air and irritate the respiratory system. Symptoms like sneezing, nasal congestion, and itchy eyes can reduce energy levels and disrupt daily routines. Managing these symptoms often involves a mix of avoidance strategies, medications, and natural remedies—enter honey.

What Are Food Allergies and Intolerances?**

Food allergies involve the immune system and occur when a dog’s body mistakenly identifies a food protein as harmful. This triggers an allergic reaction, often manifesting as skin issues, gastrointestinal distress, or ear infections.

Food intolerances, on the other hand, are non-immunological reactions. They may result from difficulty digesting certain ingredients (like lactose) or sensitivity to additives. Symptoms can overlap with allergies, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or skin irritation, but they don’t involve the immune system.

Introduction

Raw feeding advocates argue that a diet of unprocessed meat, bones, and organs mirrors what wild canines like wolves would eat. Proponents highlight the following benefits:

• Improved digestion: Raw diets are high in protein and fat, aligning with a dog’s evolutionary carnivorous instincts.
• Healthier skin and coat: Many owners report shinier fur, reduced allergies, and fewer digestive issues.
• Weight management: The nutrient-dense profile may help dogs maintain a healthy weight without overeating.
• Customization: Home-prepared raw meals allow for tailored nutrition, which can be beneficial for dogs with allergies or specific health needs.

The Risks: Bacteria, Hygiene, and Safety

Despite the allure of raw feeding, the risks cannot be ignored:

As a pet owner, there’s nothing more rewarding than seeing your furry friend thrive and live a happy, healthy life. But have you ever stopped to think about what you’re really feeding your dog? With so many commercial pet foods on the market, it can be overwhelming to make an informed decision about your pup’s diet. That’s why we’re excited to share with you the benefits of raw feeding and provide you with a comprehensive guide to get started.

Understanding Food Sensitivities & the Elimination Diet**

Food sensitivities in dogs are often triggered by ingredients like grains, dairy, chicken, or soy—common components in commercial dog foods. To pinpoint the cause, a 6-week elimination diet is recommended:

1. Start with a Novel Protein

   • Choose a single, unprocessed protein source (e.g., rabbit, duck, or kangaroo) that’s not typically used in commercial diets. These proteins are less likely to trigger allergies.
   • Avoid all other ingredients, including treats, supplements, and additives, to isolate the allergen.

2. Monitor Symptoms

Understanding Allergies: The Immune System’s Response

Allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to harmless substances (allergens), triggering symptoms like itching, redness, sneezing, or gastrointestinal upset. These allergens can be environmental (e.g., pollen, mold, dust mites) or dietary (e.g., chicken, wheat, soy). The Nelco Allergy Panel is a popular diagnostic tool that identifies high- and low-sensitivity reactions to over 100 potential allergens. This test helps pinpoint specific triggers, whether they’re grasses, trees, molds, or food ingredients, enabling targeted interventions.