Of these, you are responsible for three:

Nutrition: High quality species appropriate food plus supplements. While kibble (dry food) is NOT species appropriate, some do less damage than others.

Environment: Safe, contaminant, and stress free

Health Care: Holistic health care treats causes, not symptoms

Why it Matters:

Your canine companion cannot choose his own food. You, therefore, must make responsible, informed, and intelligent choices.

The better your dog eats today the healthier he will be tomorrow.

Your dog's body requires a 'species-appropriate' diet-like all species.

What to Look For
The first ingredient should be a specific meat or fish or meal (e.g., chicken, lamb meal, chicken meal, mackerel meal). Better "premium" kibbles have 2-4 specific meat or fish meal in the first 4-6 ingredients.

Variety
Alternating between two premium kibbles that work well for your dog helps avoid deficiencies or ingredient excesses that may be problematic for your animal. Alternate when bag runs out or when convenient.

Watch for Changes
With any new food, watch for subtle changes in your dog's skin, coat, appetite, energy level, mood, itchiness, discharges or odors, body weight, and especially the stool size and consistency (quality food and properly functioning digestive system produces smaller formed, dark brown, firm stools). If negative changes occur, immediately try a different food. If the change persists, consult your veterinarian.

How Often to Feed
Feed puppies based on kibble manufacturer's recommendation. Feed adult dogs once or twice per day. Remove food not consumed in about 15 minutes. Separate bowl for each dog.

How Much to Feed
Feed based on manufacturer's recommendations. Feed to 'desired' weight, not to present weight.

Adult Dog's Weight
Like people, each adult dog has an 'ideal weight range.' You should be able to easily feel her ribs as you lightly run your fingertips along her side. Generally, slightly thinner is healthier.

Overweight Dogs
First, have your veterinarian rule out medical conditions-such as thyroid. Avoid 'lite' or "prescription" kibble. Feed overweight dogs less of a premium kibble PLUS raw food supplements. Exercise the dog.

Senior Dogs
Check Senior and Prescription kibble for unhealthy ingredients. Feed senior dogs less of a high quality premium kibble.

Supplements
Supplement all commercial pet foods with fresh foods, such as organic raw meats and steamed or grated vegetables. Nutritional supplements provide enzymes and nutrients destroyed during kibble manufacturing.