Whole Food for Dogs

I had a wonderful month this March on the radio. In the human world, March is National Nutrition Month, and this month I have been having guests on my show talking about pet nutrition. As you know if you read my Two Minute Dog Advice column often, I do not like to cross promote too much. This month I feel that I have learned so much, that I would be doing a disservice to you my readers by not pointing you in the direction of some of the things I have learned.

Feed your dog healthy foods.

We did a series on nutrition for pets last March and it was so successful that about eight months ago, Ruthie (our executive producer for the show) decided that we should do another series of shows this March for people who love their animals and would like to know what the alternatives are for their pets. Especially with so many ongoing recalls and the economy the way it is these days. We focused on whole foods.

If anything here sparks your interest, our shows are archived and you are able to listen to any of the archived shows we have done for this month already. The last show in the series will feature Dr. Shawn Messonnier and will be live Tuesday March 31st. Shawn has written Eight Weeks to a Healthy Dog.

The whole series this month started out with our first guest, Andi Brown, a New York Times bestselling author and the founder of Halo, Purely for Pets. Andi's story may sound like something you may be going through with your animals. Andi's latest book is The Whole Pet Diet, Eight Weeks to Great Health for Dogs & Cats. Andi's story reminded me so much of the trials I went through with my own dog, Webster, that I was fascinated and I think you will be, too. Andi's premise is that you can have a healthy dog or cat in only eight weeks by changing their lifestyle and food.

Andi started on her journey after her cat, Spot, had been diagnosed with several incurable problems. She was feeding him what had been considered a premium prescription food. She was also using several things prescribed by her veterinarian. Andi cooked a simple stew for Spot in the hopes of making him better. Spot's health improved due to Andi's home cooked stew of chicken and vegetables.

Spot's health improved so quickly and dramatically, she began to cook for other owners' cats and dogs with serious health issues. They also improved and Andi's mission to help animals all over the world to live well was born. Andi knows that the old adage "You are what you eat" not only applies to people, it applies to their pets also. Andi learned that by having an understanding of how to balance the body, many other things can happen. The immune system can be boosted and the blood can be purified, thus allowing the animal’s own natural healing ability to begin.

What I have learned in the past three weeks is very important and goes back to why I got into the pet industry to begin with. As I mentioned, my first dog, Webster, became sick after the first six weeks of me owing him. I was beyond lucky to have a vet who did look right away at his diet to see that Webster was allergic to soy, salt and preservatives.

If your dog is not acting quite right-maybe his coat is not shiny, maybe his ears or skin are itching, maybe he is going to the bathroom a lot-anything you notice that may be off with him and not normal to you may be a nutritional problem. Sometimes even the vets we love are not trained in this area.

If you are having issues with your dog and have the time, you might want to try the eight week diet in Andi’s book. It is well worth it and the least invasive, least expensive route to go to help your four-legged buddy get back to normal. I have been amazed at just how many animals have been cured by fixing their diets. Please do see Andi Brown’s book for more information and do feel free to listen to the archived Wendy’s Animal Talk shows for more information on your pet’s health at Healthy Life.net.

• Homemade Dog Food Recipes
• Doggie Tuna Casserole
• Questions About Feeding Dogs
• How to Make Fun Slice and Bake Doggie Cookies
• Apple Crisp Dog Biscuits

• Beagle Dog Christmas Ornaments
• Funny Halloween Dog Pictures
• Miniature Teacup Chihuahuas
• Name That Dog Breed Quiz
• Choosing a Puppy Quiz

• Signs Of Dog Pregnancy
• Dog Anal Glands
• Sick Dog Symptoms
• Female Dog Heat Cycle
• Dog Heat Cycle and Breeding

• Homemade Dog Food Recipes
• Human Grade Organic Dog Food
• Halo Dog Food
• Fromm Dog Food
• Natural Balance Dog Food