Pet Digest

Obesity in Dogs: Prevention and Management Through Nutrition Obesity in Dogs: Prevention and Management Through Nutrition Canine obesity is one of the most preventable yet underestimated health problems in modern dogs. It silently undermines their quality of life, increasing the risk of diseases like diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, and even cancer. But the good news? It's largely influenced by one thing: nutrition . This post explores the science behind obesity in dogs, the role of ingredients and calories, and how you can use holistic, species-appropriate nutrition to help your dog thrive at a healthy weight. How Do Dogs Become Overweight? Obesity happens when energy intake exceeds energy expenditure. Simply put, dogs eat more calories than they burn. But there’s more nuance: Free-feeding or overfeeding portions High-carb, high-calorie commercial diets Lack of exercise or breed predisposition Frequent treats or human food scraps In some case...

Understanding Minerals: Part 4 of Canine Nutrition Essentials Understanding Minerals: Part 4 of Canine Nutrition Essentials Welcome to Part 4 of our comprehensive series on the 7 Essential Nutrients in Canine Nutrition . Today, we explore the crucial role of minerals — the inorganic elements your dog needs for a wide range of biological functions. From bone strength and nerve transmission to enzyme activation and immune support, minerals are fundamental to holistic canine health. What Are Minerals? Minerals are inorganic nutrients that dogs cannot synthesize themselves, so they must be obtained through diet. Unlike macronutrients such as proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, minerals do not provide energy but are vital cofactors and structural components in the body. Minerals are broadly divided into two categories: Macro minerals: Required in larger amounts (e.g., calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, magnesium). Trace minerals: Needed in smaller amounts ...

Understanding Fibre: Part 3 of Canine Nutrition Essentials Understanding Fibre: Part 3 of Canine Nutrition Essentials Welcome to Part 3 of our deep dive into the 7 Essential Nutrients in Canine Nutrition . Today, we focus on fibre — a key yet often misunderstood component of your dog’s diet. From digestion and gut health to weight management and immune support, fibre plays multiple vital roles in holistic canine wellbeing. What Is Fibre? Dietary fibre consists of the indigestible parts of plant foods that pass through the digestive system largely intact. Unlike proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, fibre is not broken down for energy but serves other important functions, particularly in the gastrointestinal tract. In dogs, fibre can be classified into two main types: Soluble fibre — dissolves in water to form a gel-like substance. It slows digestion and helps regulate blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Insoluble fibre — does not dissolve in water and adds b...