Are your Pets Getting the Nutrition They Need?
-Monica Segal, Nutritional Solutions for Dogs
Caring for our dogs involves a commitment to quality of life. We can buy toys and take them for walks, make sure they enjoy plenty of interactions and playtime – but what about health? If you think you’re powerless in that department think again because there’s good news to focus on.
Diet is the cornerstone of health. Without a doubt, genetics play a strong role but genes aren’t necessarily destiny. The influences of a proper diet and supplements geared to a particular dog can be seen in dogs that no longer limp from arthritis, those that no longer suffer from gastrointestinal upsets and much more. The key is to appreciate that a generic diet of any kind is exactly that – generic. It’s been formulated to meet nutritional needs of the average population, but does it really hit the mark for your particular dog? Remember that every dog is unique, just like their owners.
My work involves formulating home-prepared raw and/or cooked diets for dogs in health and disease. The approach is embraced more and more often, but it’s not for everyone and I recognize that. Still, people feeding kibble and canned foods shouldn’t ignore what they can do even with limited time and resources. For example, feeding just a bit of fruit every day will add important phytonutrients that can help to reduce inflammation and fight cancer cells. Fruits of choice: berries, apples and melons. Adding fresh vegetables is another consideration. Did you know that a study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association showed that dogs consuming green, yellow or orange vegetables had a far lesser chance of developing transitional cell carcinoma (bladder cancer)? But keep in mind that vegetables must be cooked and mashed or raw and pulverized to facilitate proper digestion in dogs.
Three important supplements regardless of the feeding method you choose:
Wild salmon oil provides omega 3 fatty acids that are taken up preferentially by the brain and play key roles in heart and eye health. They’re wonderful for the skin, too.
Taurine for heart and eye health.
Joint supportive supplements i.e. combination of glucosamine sulphate, chondroitin sulphate and MSM for dogs that are older and/or have arthritis. They may hold an important place for younger, healthy dogs, but the science to support this is not clear as of this date.
Bottom line: Feed your dog for the individual she or he really is and you’ll be providing the best diet possible.
Monica Segal
www.monicasegal.com
Biography: Certified in Animal Health Care through the University of Guelph and has been a regular guest on radio and TV shows in Canada and the U.S.
Authored “K9Kitchen: Your Dogs’ Diet, The Truth Behind The Hype” and “Optimal Nutrition” as well as several booklets and recorded seminars.
Our Story
A Pathway to Hope was named after our sweet girl, Hope. When we adopted Hope, we also adopted her special needs pup, Cole. Cole was born with megaesophagus. At one year old, Cole was extremely underweight, at 43 pounds. His hips and ribs stuck out, and we couldn't take him out without stares and people asking what was wrong with him. Just before Cole's first birthday, we were introduced to Monica, who created a nutritional plan for Cole. At first, we were overwhelmed, but we were desperate and willing to try anything. Soon, we realized what a blessing this diet was for Cole. Not only was it easy to prepare after just a few weeks of getting the routine, but the supplements lasted months (some over a year), and in just one year, Cole was 70 pounds and healthier than ever. Our holistic veterinarian was amazed and said, "Whatever you are doing, keep doing it!" Cole still struggles with his condition, but we feel very strongly that he would not be with us had we not met Monica. Monica's nutritional plans and supplements are not just for dogs with special needs--all of our dogs benefit from the supplements she suggests and offers. She has truly been a blessing to us.
Amy, Jason & Andrew Hofer
