The Importance of Feeding Dogs a Balanced Diet

The information provided in this blog is for reference purposes only and reflects what we feed our own dogs. If you are uncertain, please don't take risks; consult a veterinary nutritionist for advice.

Feeding dogs well is not just about filling their bowls; it’s about ensuring they receive the nutrients necessary for a long, healthy, and happy life. A balanced diet plays a critical role in maintaining their physical health, energy levels, and overall well-being. Experts like Rodney Habib and Dr. Karen Becker have emphasised the transformative power of nutrition in extending canine lifespans and preventing chronic diseases.

Why a Balanced Diet Matters

A balanced diet for dogs includes six essential nutrients: proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and water. Each nutrient serves a specific purpose:

• Proteins are vital for muscle growth, tissue repair, and maintaining a strong immune system. High-quality proteins from sources like chicken, beef, fish, and eggs should form the foundation of a dog’s diet [1], [9]

• Fats provide concentrated energy and support skin and coat health. They also aid in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K[9].

• Carbohydrates supply quick energy and dietary fibre for healthy digestion. We believe keeping additive carbs to a minimum e.g. rice and other grains. Carbohydrates found in natural sources like fruits and vegetables are excellent and should constitute a portion of their diet. [1], [4].

• Vitamins and minerals are crucial for metabolic functions, immunity, and disease prevention.

Without these nutrients in proper proportions, dogs can suffer from obesity, skin issues, digestive problems, or even life-threatening conditions like diabetes or heart disease[5].

Insights from Rodney Habib and Dr. Karen Becker

Rodney Habib and Dr. Karen Becker advocate for biologically appropriate diets that align with a dog’s evolutionary needs. In their book *The Forever Dog*, they highlight how processed foods—often high in carbohydrates—can accelerate aging and lead to chronic illnesses. They recommend reducing carbohydrate intake significantly and focusing on fresh or raw diets rich in high-quality proteins and healthy fats[6][8].

Dr. Becker also emphasises the importance of rotating protein sources to enhance nutritional diversity and support gut health. Feeding dogs different proteins like turkey, venison, or rabbit can improve their microbiome and reduce inflammation[12]. Additionally, she advocates for minimally processed foods to lower metabolic stress and improve resilience against diseases[10].

The Benefits of Proper Nutrition

1. Longevity: Studies show that reducing calorie intake by 25% can extend a dog’s lifespan significantly. This underscores the importance of portion control alongside quality nutrition[6].

2. Improved Coat and Skin Health: Omega-3 fatty acids in balanced diets help maintain shiny coats and reduce skin irritations caused by allergies or environmental factors[1].

3. Stronger Immunity: Vitamins like C and E act as antioxidants to protect cells from damage, while minerals like zinc support immune function[4][9].

4. Better Digestion: Fiber from carbohydrates aids in digestion and ensures efficient nutrient absorption while minimising waste production[1].

5. Disease Prevention: A nutrient-rich diet can prevent obesity-related conditions like arthritis or diabetes while supporting heart health through essential fatty acids[5][9].

Raw vs Processed Diets

Dr. Karen Becker champions raw diets as the "gold standard" because they mimic what dogs would eat in the wild—raw meat, bones, organs, and vegetables. These diets provide hydration and essential nutrients without the harmful additives often found in processed kibble[7][8]. However, transitioning to raw or fresh diets requires careful planning to ensure nutritional balance.

We recognise that a raw diet isn't suitable for everyone, and there are excellent alternatives available. We've used raw diets, Prime100, and Lyka. If your dog is healthy and content, stick with what works best.

Final Thoughts

Feeding your dog well is one of the most impactful ways to enhance their quality of life. By prioritizing balanced nutrition with high-quality ingredients—whether through commercial pet food or homemade meals—you can help your dog thrive physically and emotionally. As Rodney Habib puts it: "You are what you eat—and so is your dog."

Sources

[1] Dog Nutrition: Guide to Dog Food Nutrients - PetMD https://www.petmd.com/dog/nutrition/evr_dg_whats_in_a_balanced_dog_food

[2] The Benefits of Proper Nutrition - PetMD https://www.petmd.com/dog/nutrition/evr_dg_the_benefits_of_proper_nutrition

[3] The importance of good nutrition for your pet https://sherwoodvet.com.au/pet-advice/the-importance-of-good-nutrition-for-your-pet/

[4] Nutrition - General Feeding Guidelines for Dogs https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/nutrition-general-feeding-guidelines-for-dogs

[5] The Role Of Nutrition In Preventing Common Pet Health Problems https://www.petfoodaustralia.com.au/blogs/news/pet-health

[6] How to build the forever dog | Rodney Habib | TEDxMexicoCitySalon https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5R_RsOmXV_s

[7] Dr Karen Becker Explains A Species Appropriate Raw Pet Food Diet https://rawandfresh.com.au/blogs/blog/where-do-i-begin

[8] Raw Food Diet for Dogs: the Nutritional Gold Standard https://milwaukeepaws.com/raw-food-diet-for-dogs/

[9] Understanding your dog's nutritional requirements - Fur Life Vet https://www.furlifevet.com.au/understanding-your-dogs-nutritional-requirements/

[10] Species-appropriate, Real Food For Dogs And Cats - Dr. Karen Becker https://drkarenbecker.com/make-better-pet-food-choices-for-dogs-and-cats/

[11] Balanced Homemade Dog Food - Stellanspice https://stellanspice.com/balanced-dog-food/

[12] "These are the BEST Foods For Dog Longevity" | Dr Karen Becker https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DqI7Mp-BPdg