There is truly no better diet choice for your dog than a species-appropriate raw food diet. Much like their ancestors the wolf, our domestic dogs are biologically designed to thrive on a diet of raw meat, raw bone and raw organ. Wolves and dogs share 99.8% of their mDNA sequence, which also means that they share an identical digestive system and require the same type of raw food diet their carnivorous canine cousins enjoy in order to reach a state of optimum health.

The domestic dog, much like the wolf, is biologically designed to eat a nutritious raw food diet. Dogs have the same attributes that their carnivorous ancestors have that help us identify what kind of food they need to eat in order to thrive in life. You may be wondering what exactly makes a dog a carnivore and how we can identify their dietary needs based on their basic anatomy and physiology. You can learn more by reading one of my previous articles, Dogs and Wolves: Eat like a wolf and live a long and healthy life!

A raw food diet is the most pure, wholesome nutrition you can provide your best four-legged friends with. Raw food is full of living nutrients and enzymes that cannot be matched by any other diet. Commercial kibble diets and even homemade diets involve cooking the ingredients which inevitably destroys a lot of the nutrients and all of the essential enzymes. The additives and chemicals in many commercial kibble diets also have a negative effect on our pets bodies over time.

The benefits of a raw food diet are amazing. Dogs with medical issues, allergies, skin conditions, digestive disorders and other ailments can find relief and the potential for a complete recovery by switching to a healthy, clean raw food diet. Switching your dog to a raw food diet can prolong their life and reduce the frequency and intensity of illness throughout their lifetime; This works by providing proper nutrition to strengthen the body and keep chemicals, additives and junk food from their system. A longer, healthier life is the result of dogs being fed raw food.

The sky is the limit when it comes to ways in which dogs can benefit from a raw food diet. What we know for sure is that we do see positive changes in dogs who are fed raw. One of the most evident changes occurs with physical condition. Our dogs coats becomes thick and shiny while fur becomes soft to the touch. Color pigment in the coat is also enhanced, which for example can make red fur rich and deep. Raw fed dogs shed less and lose that signature "dog smell" that many pet owners complain about. Raw fed dogs tend to have little odor due to the overall health of the skin and coat when coupled with eating a clean diet free of chemicals and junk ingredients.

A raw fed dog's eyes suddenly become clear and lose the dullness you didn't even realize was there to begin with. Their irises become more crisp and the color intensifies. With that, we see a revitalized spirit shining through their loving gaze.

Another wonderful benefit of feeding raw is dental health. Dogs that are fed raw have fresher breath, and their teeth are kept clean and white. The act of crushing and chewing bone scrapes the teeth and stimulates the gum line. A commercial kibble meal is mashed up between the teeth and crumbles in the mouth. That chewed up kibble mash sticks to the teeth and gets caught between teeth and under the gum line (often the source of bad breath). The raw diet provides nothing that can get caught in and around the teeth; There is no residue to cause a tartar build up and gum disease.

Raw honey is a remarkable alternative medicine used and appreciated by many cultures for hundreds of years, renowned for its healing attributes and for the therapeutic results of using raw honey. Just as it can be good for us, raw honey can also be highly beneficial for our dogs. The use of raw honey in dogs is quickly becoming popular amongst not only the holistic pet care movement but is also being recognized by the every day pet owners for its benefits and healing effects.

Honey is known for being an excellent source of flavonoids and is believed to contain anti-cancer properties. Raw honey contains vitamin B6, vitamin B12, folic acid, and vitamins C, D and E. Honey also contains calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese! Honey is a good source of anti-oxidants and the live enzymes found in it make it antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiseptic and antifungal.

For those concerned about the sugar content of honey, rest assured knowing that it is an easily digested and gradually broken down form of natural sugar unlike processed sugar. As a result, the addition of honey to a dog's day can help increase healthy levels of energy and can even energize older dogs.

Dogs suffering from environmental allergies can greatly benefit from the consumption of raw, local honey on a daily basis. Raw, local honey contains minute amounts of pollens collected from your area that can help ease the symptoms of allergies in your dog. This works by exposing your dog to a very low level of the substance causing an allergic reaction which can help your pet develop an immunity over time. It is important that the honey is raw and local to ensure your dog is being exposed to the same pollens causing the allergic reaction specific to your dog. When the body is safely exposed to those pollens on a very small level, the body can grow accustomed to the allergens and thus have little to no reaction.

Honey is also an excellent digestive aid since it contains live enzymes and amylase. Amylase is an enzyme which facilitates the proper digestion of carbohydrates. Honey is also very soothing for the digestive system and can also help tonify the body.

Honey can benefit dogs with gastrointestinal problems due to its antibacterial properties. Raw honey can benefit dogs suffering from gastritis, IBD, colitis and other GI issues resulting from an overgrowth of bacteria.

Honey has been praised for its health benefits to both people and pets for many years and the world is starting to recognize it for its healing properties. Raw honey can prove to be an important part of a dog's diet while acting as an alternative medicine for allergies, digestive trouble and more! I highly recommend the addition of raw, local honey to the diet of any dog suffering from environmental allergies. One tablespoon a day is ideal for large dogs and one teaspoon a day is ideal for small dogs.

Your dog's diet and nutrition plays a large role in how healthy they are and how long they live, consider learning more about proper diet and nutrition with K9 Instinct! Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or if you are interested in a diet and nutrition consultation.

Angel
K9 Instinct
www.k9instinct.com

My eBook "A Guide to Raw Feeding" 3rd Edition is now available in the K9 Instinct online shop! This is an electronic book delivered in .PDF and mobi formats that you can conveniently read on your computer or eReader.

This eBook covers everything you need to know about feeding your dog a raw food diet. I explain the details on why a raw food diet is the very best food option for our canine companions, while discussing the benefits of a raw food diet and how dogs are biologically designed to consume and digest raw meat, raw bone and raw organ.

You will learn exactly how to feed this diet, where to buy your meat, how to feed your dog cheap (for less than $1 a day!) and how to calculate exact food amounts per meal. Everything you need to know to feed this species appropriate, balanced diet is available in this eBook!

Click here to visit the K9 Instinct Shop to learn more about this informative how-to eBook!

Don't forget to follow K9 Instinct on Facebook to get blog updates and news!

Angel
K9 Instinct
www.k9instinct.com

There is nothing better than homemade dog treats!

Made from nutritious coconut flour to help nourish the skin and coat, these grain-free cookies are perfect for dogs with grain allergies or sensitivities. They are flavoured with real peanut butter and made entirely from whole foods. It cost me a mere $4 and some change to make a large container of cookies, which makes them extremely cost effective! On top of that, they only took approximately 30 minutes to make. These cookies are big on flavour and small in the cost and time department!

You can substitute the coconut flour with whole wheat flour if that is your preference. Be aware that coconut flour absorbs more liquid than your typical grain flour. This means you will have to add more water to accommodate the potentially dry batter.

Homemade Grain-Free "Peanut Butter Bite" Dog Cookies

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of coconut flour
• 1 teaspoon of baking powder
• 1 cup of smooth or crunchy peanut butter
• 1/4 cup of honey
• 2 eggs
• 1/3 cup of extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 cup of hot water (add more if needed!)
  

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 360 degrees F.
2. In a large bowl combine the coconut flour and baking powder.
3. In a separate bowl add the eggs, honey, water, oil, and the peanut butter and then whisk everything together until combined.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the peanut butter mixture and combine.
5. Place the batter in your size and shape of preference on a cookie sheet on parchment paper (or a non-stick pan).
6. Bake in oven for 20 minutes or until golden brown.

If you notice that your cookie batter is too crumbly and dry, just add some more hot water until it's just right. The coconut flour is a fantastic alternative to grain flour but you can never know for sure just how much water you'll need to add to make the batter just right.

Shape these however you want since this is a versatile cookie batter. I always make the bite sized balls, approximately one inch in size. Perfect bite sized pieces for a big German Shepherd mouth!

These are definitely Hunter's favourite cookies. He leaves a pile of drool behind when he is done snacking on these delicious peanut butter treats!

Don't forget to "like" K9 Instinct on Facebook to get blog updates and new recipes!

Angel
K9 Instinct
www.k9instinct.com

My new eBook "Homemade Dog Food Recipe Book" contains 25 complete and balanced homemade dog food recipes, the perfect companion for someone new to the homemade dog food lifestyle. This recipe book is also a great addition to a seasoned homemade dog food chef's arsenal of delicious recipes!

Designed to promote health and well-being in your dogs, these recipes are clean and wholesome combinations of meat, vegetables, protein and sauces that are simple to make at home.

This recipe book is not only for homemade dog food chefs, but also for those looking to supplement their dog's current diet with home cooking straight from your kitchen. Many of the recipes in this book are ideal for sick dogs or dogs recovering from surgery or illness. Designed to sooth the soul and nourish the body.

You can purchase this recipe eBook and other informative eBooks at K9 Instinct's online shop!

Don't forget to follow K9 Instinct on Facebook to get blog updates and news!

Angel
K9 Instinct
www.k9instinct.com

Herbs and spices are nature's way of providing us with natural ways to promote health and well-being in our lives. These healthy, all natural herbs not only benefit us but are an excellent addition to your dog's food bowl. These little nutrition powerhouses can be grown in your own garden or purchased fresh or dried from the grocery store. They are full of vitamins, minerals, healing properties and preventive attributes that can have a wonderful effect on your dog's overall health.

There are many wonderful herbs and spices that are safe for your dog, but be sure to double check with a reputable source before you introduce it into your dog's diet. Simply add 1/8th of a teaspoon to your dog's food to enjoy the benefits. You can mix herbs and spices into moist carriers such as plain yoghurt, cottage cheese, kefir or peanut butter if that is readily accepted by your dogs.

Parsley
Parsley contains protein, Vitamins A, C, B1, B2, and K, fiber, calcium, riboflavin, potassium, iron, magnesium, niacin, phosphorus. Parsley can act as a nutritive, diuretic, carminative, and can lower blood pressure, help reduce arthritic inflammation and act as a breath freshener. Avoid parsley in pregnant dogs or if a dog is suffering from inflammation of the kidneys.

Sage
Sage contains Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, folate, calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium and zinc. Sage is anti-bacterial and anti-microbial, but it is also an anti-oxidant powerhouse. Sage is also known for aiding in the digestion of fats and proteins.

Rosemary
Rosemary is rich in Vitamin A, Vitamin C, folate, calcium, potassium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus and is full of anti-oxidants. Rosemary is anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, anti fungal, anti-septic and can help the body both fight and prevent disease.

Thyme
Thyme contains Vitamin K, iron, manganese, calcium, fibre and tryptophan. Thyme also contains phytochemicals and anti-oxidants. Thyme has anti-spetic, anti-spasmodic and anti-bacterial properties. It is good for the skin, the respiratory system, good brain function and gastrointestinal health. Thyme has also been said to have anti-cancer properties.

Oregano
Oregano contains Vitamin K, anti-oxidants, iron, manganese, fibre, and is a natural source of Omega-3 fatty acids. Oregano is renowned for it's anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-parasitic properties.

Fennel
Fennel contains protein, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, niacin, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorous, potasssium, zinc and copper. Fennel also contains Omega-6 fatty acids. It acts as a detoxifier and strong digestive aid.

Turmeric
Turmeric contains Vitamin C, Vitamin K, folate, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, Omega-3 fatty acids and anti-oxidants. Turmeric has excellent cancer fighting properties and is also anti-inflammatory. Turmeric is good for heart health and is powerful detoxifier. Turmeric also is a blood thinner, so cease use prior to surgical procedures.

Ginger
Ginger contains protein, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, folate, choline, betaine, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, zinc, manganese and selenium. Ginger also contains Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, as well as fiber. Ginger is a digestive powerhouse; It helping with digestion, soothing an upset stomach, soothing nausea and assisting in fighting diarrhea. Ginger is also known to help ward off cancer.

Kelp
Kelp (seaweed) is another nutritional powerhouse, containing Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, folate, fiber and protein. Kelp is also rich in iodine, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, zinc, copper, manganese and selenium. Kelp benefits thyroid function, promotes heart health, helps fight and prevent cancer, is a powerful anti-oxidant and aids in healing skin disorders and problems. Kelp is magnificent for skin and coat health, and simply has too many benefits to list!

We love our dogs so very much. One day in the distant past, they worked their way into our hearts to become furry, four-legged members of our family and they never looked back. Their dedication, unconditional love and unmatched companionship has earned them an important place in our lives. It is no wonder so many of us do everything we can to make our dogs happy and healthy.

What is the key to a long and healthy life? The answer is actually quite simple! We must nourish the body, the mind and the spirit. To nourish the body we must provide a species-appropriate and highly nutritious diet. For the mind, we must provide fulfilling experiences and good mental and physical exercise. The spirit is nourished with experiences that build the bond between dog and human, and the foundation of training (or work) that creates a fulfilling relationship built on communication and trust.

Diet and nutrition is the first vital step towards health and longevity in our dogs. We must act as an advocate for our animal companions, providing them with species appropriate nutrition with which they can thrive. High protein, grain-free diets are ideal. A raw food diet is the most nutritional food, followed by freeze-dried diets, homemade diets and lastly high quality, whole food kibble diets. Click here to learn more about the best foods to feed your dog.

An important part of nourishing the body includes keeping harmful chemicals and toxins out of your dog. A minimal vaccine protocol is ideal for all dogs, especially dogs with immune system disorders, allergies and other serious medical conditions. Monthly de-wormers and heartworm preventative are harsh pesticides and chemicals going into your dog on a regular basis, these treatments put a great deal of stress on the body and immune system. Consider a natural de-wormer twice a year and look into homeopathic heartworm preventatives.

To nourish the mind we need to provide our dogs with fulfilling and enjoyable mental and physical stimulation. These experiences that remove excess energy and relieve boredom help bring calmness and balance to our canine companions. Physical exercise can include long walks, hiking, playing ball at the park, playing with other dogs, biking, jogging, running, obedience training and training in dog sports. Mental exercise comes from training, thinking games in the home, and giving your dog healthy items to chew on and interact with. Nothing makes a dog happier than a long off leash hike in the forest followed by a healthy elk antler or raw marrow bone to chew on at home.

It is the powerful bond we share with our dogs that nourishes their spirit. A dog requires a sense of belonging, trust and companionship to really thrive. We create these feelings in our dogs when we have a one on one training session, or when we share the couch in the evening after a long day, or when we take a long walk together and stop to play ball at the park. Nourishing the spirit is all about our bond with our dogs, relishing in the companionship and unconditional love our furry family members have to offer. The experience of the unconditional love exchanged between human and dog is remarkable, it creates balance and happiness in not only them, but also within us.

The path to a long and healthy life involves nurturing every aspect of your dog's being and simply enjoying life together, living every moment to its fullest.

Don't forget to like K9 Instinct on Facebook to get blog updates!

Angel
K9 Instinct
www.k9instinct.com