Research and information on these pages is provided by Golden Girls Health. Sequoia Humane Society is in no way liable for data errors or omissions. You alone are responsible for your canine companion's health and safety. The information provided here is applicable to all dog breeds.

Four Determinants of Canine Health:

Of these, you are responsible for three:

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.

Feeding Your Canine Companion

History - Dogs are carnivores-they evolved over 14,000 years eating primarily meat. On their own, they are opportunistic and will also occasionally eat small amounts of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and berries. A dog's anatomy is such that the primary protein source has always been, and still is-meat.

Three Choices - Knowing this, you have three choices for feeding your canine companion: 1) fresh, raw food, 2) kibble, and 3) a combination of 1 and 2. Avoid feeding dogs canned food unless recommended by a veterinarian and YOU AGREE with the recommendation.

Feeding Fresh Raw Food

Feeding fresh raw food is slightly more complicated than giving your dog a cup of raw ground beef. It is also not as fast as simply scooping kibble into a bowl. Feeding raw food, however, typically results in healthier dogs and very proud owners.

Before feeding your dog fresh raw food:

Feeding Kibble: Choose Kibble Wisely
Most people feed their dogs kibble for two reasons: 1) it's easy, and 2) they have a false belief that it's the one right way to feed their dog. Choosing nutritious kibble involves common sense and following simple guidelines.

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.