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.

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!

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.

My eBook "A Guide to Raw Feeding" 2nd Edition is now available in the K9 Instinct online shop! This is an electronic book delivered in .PDF format that you can conveniently read on your computer.

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!

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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!

There are many reasons some dogs need to put on more weight, and there are both slow and quick ways to do so. A recipe was created specifically for the purpose of putting weight on dogs very quickly, and that recipe is for a "weight supplement" called Satin Balls.

Satin Balls are perfect for underweight working dogs, or emaciated dogs coming in to rescues. Satin Balls were designed to put weight on a dog very quickly and are loaded with calories. While fast weight gain (and fast weight loss) is not very healthy for the body, some dogs need a calorie boost quickly to push them towards regaining a balance of health.

Satin Balls as traditionally made with grains, but I will provide a grain free recipe for dogs with allergies or sensitivities.

Satin Balls (With Grain)
10 pounds of ground beef
1 box of Total cereal (NO RAISINS!!) or Shredded Wheat
1 box of oatmeal
1 jar of wheat germ
1 1/4 cup olive oil
1 1/4 cup of unsulphured molasses
10 raw eggs with the shells
10 envelopes of unflavored gelatin
A pinch of salt

Satin Balls (With Grain) SMALLER RECIPE
1 pounds of ground beef
1 cup of Total cereal (NO RAISINS!!) or Shredded Wheat
1 cup of oatmeal
1/4 cup of wheat germ
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup of unsulphured molasses
1 raw eggs with the shell
1 envelope of unflavored gelatin
A pinch of salt

Combine all of the ingredients, roll into 1-inch balls and feed them raw! Portions can be frozen for future use, as well.

Grain-free Satin Balls
10 pounds of ground beef
1 large tub of 4% fat cottage cheese
500g of cream cheese  
1 1/4 cup olive oil
1 1/2 cup of unsulphured molasses
10 raw eggs with the shells
10 envelopes of unflavored gelatin
A pinch of salt

Remember to monitor your dog's weight-gain closely so that you can cease using the satin balls or drastically reduce the amount you feed when your dog reaches their ideal weight.

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

Angel Leandres
K9 Instinct
www.k9instinct.com

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

Our dogs don't really have a voice in this world. What happens to them is mostly beyond their control. What they do with their time, what they eat and how they live their lives is decided for them by their human companions. This is precisely why we, as their human companions, must act as their advocate and voice in this world. When it comes to their health and happiness we are directly responsible for them. We need to make the right decisions on their behalf to the best of our ability, and when we falter we must learn and do better the next time. Even if we don't always know what the right choice is, the love we have for our pets will inspire us to try our best; and that is what counts.

When it comes to making decisions for my own dog Hunter, I do it from a place of love, understanding, respect and knowledge. I do extensive research on topics like nutrition, health care, training, socialization and proper exercise in order to continuously make good decisions on his behalf. Since he doesn't get to decide which food to eat on his own, it is my job to determine what he is biologically designed to eat and what kind of food he thrives on. I did the research, got the hands on experience and watched him flourish on my choice of a raw food diet.

Health care can be a touchy subject for many dog lovers, but with research and your veterinarian's advice you can determine the best health care routine for your pet. Learn all you can and make your own decisions based on the opinions you form from your research and experiences, and do not let your veterinarian or any sole individual tell you how to do things. In my experience, learning from a variety of sources and forming your own opinion is the path to success in decision making.

Learn about holistic medicine and natural, alternative forms of treatment. Consider a minimal vaccine schedule, and using all natural parasite protection. Think about nutrition and the ingredients you are feeding your dog, and don't feed them something you wouldn't eat yourself. Learn about the intricate language of dogs and why they do the things they do so that you can better communicate with them and understand them.

Our beloved canine companions rely on us, and what they give us in return cannot be measured. The constant, unconditional love of a dog is the very reason we fight for them. The years of devotion and companionship they provide is why we love them so hard and fall to pieces when they leave our lives too soon. Dogs need a voice in this world, and every dog lover should make a stand to be that voice.


"My goal in life is to be the person my dog thinks I am."

Want to learn more about nourishing your dog's body with proper diet and nutrition? Visit my dog nutrition consultation page or contact me.

Don't forget to like us on Facebook!

Angel
K9 Instinct
www.k9instinct.com

A lot of pet owners believe that adding a multivitamin or whole food supplement to their pet's diet isn't necessary if they are already on a balanced diet. When it comes to adding supplements and multivitamins, I always describe it as an extra boost in nutrition that makes an impact on the body. While they can do very well without a supplement, providing one in their diet is an excellent way to give your dog extra nutrition and fill in any holes their diet may miss. Chances are high that despite a high quality diet, your dog is missing something.

Many people have have dogs that experience lots of dander and shedding, bad doggy smell and lacklustre fur would benefit greatly from the added nutrition. That extra boost ensures your dog is getting everything it needs every day and that reflects on their physical condition. Nutrition truly does show itself on the outside and a good way to judge whether or not a dog is getting exemplary nutrition is to look to their skin, coat, ears, eyes and muscle tone.

When it comes to selecting the right whole food supplement or multivitamin, there are several things to consider. I first check where the product is made, selecting only products produced within North America. Secondly, I want to see whole food ingredients as opposed to added vitamins and minerals. Whole food ingredients supply whole vitamin and mineral complexes, meaning you get the entire "nutritional picture" as opposed to one part of a vitamin added synthetically to the formula. An example of this is vitamin C; Vitamin C is more complete when it comes "with rosehips" as it contains bioflavonoids, flavonoids and tannins. Adding rosehips also increases vitamin C absorption. Another benefit of whole food supplements is that the nutrients are derived naturally from real food sources, which is better accepted by the body with a higher level of nutrient absorption.

Nupro Gold / Nupro Silver
Ingredients: Desiccated liver, Norwegian kelp, amino acids & enzymes, imported yeast cultures, flaxseed, lecithin, garlic concentrate, lactobacillus acidophilus, calcium citrate

My first recommendation is a whole food supplement called Nupro. This comes in two varieties; the Gold is their original formula and the Silver is their original formula with the addition of joint supplements. Nupro contains vitamins, minerals, amino acids, essential fatty acids and enzymes that come from the live, unprocessed, raw human grade ingredients that they use.

Carmspack's Feed-sentials
Ingredients: Carob powder, ground sunflower seed, dried parsley leaf, kelp flakes, alfalfa greens, ground almond, hulled oil rich hemp seeds, hemp seed flour, dried red and green pepper, dry celery leaf, dried blueberry, dried cranberry, dry dandelion leaf, ground pumpkin seed, powdered carrot, stinging nettle, barley grass powder, dried mint leaf, powdered rosehip, paprika, burdock root powder, garlic powder, ground walnut, ground flax seed, sesame seed, Prozyme, glucosamine, MSM, dried dill week, coriander, anise, fennel, goat mild whey powder, powdered marshmallow root, blue Hawaii spirulina, rosemary, ascorbic acid, Primal Defense probiotic, oregano, ginger, cumin, marjoram, thyme, savory, basil, sage, cayenne, powdered yucca, turmeric, fenugreek, bilberry, vegetal silica.

Feed-sentials is a whole food, complete nutritional supplement made in Canada. This is the perfect supplement for raw feeders to incorporate for a nutritional boost, but works just as well when mixed in with homemade dog food or a high quality commercial kibble diet. Once again you see whole food ingredients and a complete nutritional picture.

Solid Gold SeaMeal
Ingredients: Dried Seaweed Meal, Flaxseed Meal, Dried Lemon, Dried Aspergillus Oryzae Fermentation Product, Dried Aspergillus Niger Fermentation Product, Pineapple, Lactose

SeaMeal is also a whole food supplement deriving a lot of its nutrition from seaweed. SeaMeal contains 60 trace minerals, 12 vitamins, 22 amino acids and digestive enzymes. Not as complete as the others mentioned above, but still good quality.

Holistic Blend Seagreens Powder
Ingredients: Dried seaweed (19 different types), dehydrated bioflavonoids, ground flax meal, beta-carotene, chlorophyll, complex vitamin B, digestive enzymes, probiotics.

Holistic Blend's Seagreens Powder is also a whole food supplement, but unlike the Solid Gold product it also contains a good dose of probiotics.

These supplements have the best ratings and reviews, and I have seen good results in my clients using these products. I personally use Nupro Gold and Feed-sentials on rotation, so those are always my go-to recommendations.

For more information on creating true health and vitality in your dogs by means of diet and nutrition, visit my nutrition consultation page or contact me!

Angel Leandres
K9 Instinct
www.k9instinct.com

Dental health has a major impact on a dog's over all physical well-being and poor oral condition can lead to many different kinds of medical conditions and diseases. With veterinarians pushing their dental chews, dental kibble and expensive surgical dental cleanings, it is hard for pet owners to decipher the best way to promote oral health in their pets.

Good oral health will help your dog live longer, and will make it more pleasant to receive their loving doggy kisses! There are several steps you can take to maintain good dental health with your dog and there are many all natural options for cleaning!

Diet is a major contributor to dental health in dogs. Feeding your dog a species appropriate raw food diet is the very best option for creating good dental health. Dogs who are fed raw food have visibly whiter, cleaner teeth and fresher breath. The reason is that the dog's teeth are being manually cleaned by the act of chewing and crushing bone. The action of chewing scrapes the teeth and stimulates the gums. On top of that, raw food doesn't leave any 'left-over' food in the mouth the way kibble does. Due to the texture and composition of commercial kibbles, the kibble crumbles and sticks to the teeth and all of the areas in between. Many chemicals and oils in the kibble will help the food particles bind to the teeth and promote the build-up of tartar which inevitably leads to oral disease.

"Dental kibble" formulas provided by your veterinarian will not help clean your dog's teeth. Regardless of the marketing behind these expensive vet formulas, kibble will still crumble and turn to mush in your dog's mouth. That mush becomes the debris that clings to your pet's teeth and turns into tartar and plaque. Think about when you eat crackers and you feel mushy left overs sticking to all your teeth; The same thing is happening with kibble plus the added issue of the oils that make it even more sticky.

Giving your dog things to chew on is the best way to start cleaning the teeth and keep them clean! Consider healthy chews like bully sticks, beef tendons, dried knuckle bones, raw knuckle bones and elk antlers. When a dog chews and gnaws on these items, they scrape the teeth clean and assist in breaking up any residue to be swallowed instead of hanging around in the mouth.

There are many toys that act as great chews to promote oral health by also cleaning the teeth. I really like Nylabone products for the added benefit of the flavour infused in the material, which encourages dogs to chew on them. Nylabone breaks off in tiny shavings making it safe to pass through the digestive system without causing any issues. Flossy chews are rope toys that also help clean the teeth as the dog chews and plays with them.

Brushing your dog's teeth is the next best option. All you need is a soft toothbrush or a finger brush designed for pets and some sort of toothpaste. It is important to never use human toothpaste, as there are ingredients in those products that can make your dog very ill. The Triple Pet EZDOG Toothpaste is the most popular one due to being more of an all natural product. I personally like to use extra virgin, unrefined coconut oil as a toothpaste because of all the amazing benefits of this oil. Learn more about the benefits of coconut oil here!

There are many reasons dogs can become underweight. The most common reasons include medical conditions, intestinal parasites, very high metabolism and recent illness. An underweight dog can be just as unhealthy as an overweight one, so it is important to find the happy medium in between. Ideally you should be able to feel your dog's ribs but you should not be able to see them. There should also be a distinct waist (also known as a "tuck") visible on the dog. Optimum physical condition also means the dog has a good amount of muscle and fat in conjunction with the number on the scale.

It is important to determine the cause of the weight issue before you try anything, since there are many medical issues that cause weight loss. Intestinal worms, digestive disorders, intestinal obstruction and kidney failure are just a few of the problems that could be behind your dog's lack of substance. Check with your veterinarian and get your dog a clean bill of health before you turn to supplementing their diet.

The first method is to increase the amount of food they are getting in a day. For raw feeders, add more muscle meat to help put on the pounds or increase the overall percentage you feed. For dogs eating a commercial kibble diet, add an extra half cup or full cup as a mid-day snack. For dogs on a homemade diet, increase the amount of carbs and protein. Be wary of overfeeding in one meal, avoid bloat by feeding extras as a mid day snack right before your dog has an afternoon nap. Since you may be increasing the volume of food your dog is eating, it is important to remember never to feed your dog one hour before and one hour after exercise, this will prevent bloat and life-threatening gastric torsion.

Full fat cottage cheese is an excellent way to add more calories to your dog's diet, plus it is full of probiotics and calcium! It tastes great and makes the perfect topper for any kind of diet. A tablespoon or two will do, and you should consider adding fruits or vegetables to the cottage cheese for a boost in nutrition; You can learn about which fruits and veggies are perfect for dogs with my article: Superfoods for dogs! You can also switch up the cottage cheese with high fat plain yoghurt.

Another option is to add one whole raw egg to your dog's food bowl, this high protein addition is sure to help pack on some weight. More things to add to your dog's food bowl include sweet potato, pumpkin, apples (without seeds or the core), green beans and raw green tripe. Raw green tripe is an excellent addition to a skinny dog's diet for a variety of reasons, read my article on the benefits of raw green tripe here!

For kibble fed dogs, try adding a higher fat and higher calorie canned food to each meal. A couple tablespoons to half a can should be sufficient for adding extra calories to a meal. Look for high quality canned foods such as Merrick, Wellness, Go! or Homestyle.

Lastly, providing healthy treats and snacks is a good way to add extra calories to your dog's diet. Make sure you do not go overboard with the treats, since that is an easy way to jump to the other side of the weight spectrum. Read my article on choosing healthy treats for more information.

More food means more calories, but make sure to provide a high protein, whole food diet as the foundation to health and vitality. Nutrition plays a major role in physical condition, and you can also incorporate a good exercise routine to help maintain proper weight.

For more information on switching your dog to a high quality diet, visit my Diet and Nutrition page or contact me!

Angel Leandres
K9 Instinct
www.k9instinct.com