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 HomeDr.
NooDr.
Noo's Monthly CareTips
shares with you how our own increased
food awareness is spreading into
DIY diets.
Ensuring your dog has a good diet is as important as any of the
other daily things you do for him - taking him for walks, grooming
or playing - yet until very recently, it has been one aspect of
canine care to which owners pay the least attention.
This is probably largely because there has been little accessible
public information about canine nutrition, combined with the ready
availability of a huge range of ready-to-eat processed foodstuffs
which are quick, easy and convenient.
But this is starting to change, possibly because we tend to apply
our own philosophies and lifestyle to our pets. The increased interest
in holistic medicine for humans, for example has led to a growing
use of similar therapies for our animals.
Similarly, as we become more aware of nutritional issues, such as
organic farming and genetic modification, we have began to develop
a greater interest in healthier eating, questioning the sources
of food and the benefits of preparing it ourselves. Not surprisingly,
growing numbers of owners are beginning to think about what to feed
their pets, and considering a more natural diet.
Opinions vary widely on the benefits of a natural versus commercially
prepared diet. One advocate of the DIY method is Oxfordshire-based
vet Chris Day, who specializes in holistic treatment for animals.
"The old saying : 'You are what you eat' holds as much truth
for dogs as it does for humans," he explains, "Since what
is eaten forms the basic components necessary for tissue building,
repair and biochemistry, good nutrition is essential for the vitality,
health and mental and physical wellbeing of your dog.
"Convenience foods for dogs are a relatively modern trend,
and have rapidly become a huge and very lucrative market - but you
can never be entirely sure of the exact ingredients.
"It may require more effort, but by taking responsibility for
preparing your dog's meals from individual, high quality ingredients,
you can be sure of providing him with a healthy, wholesome and varied
diet - the best form of preventative medicine - as well as contributing
in a positive way to his general enjoyment of life."
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