• ​Myth: The Best Foods Are Those Veterinarians Sell Like Royal Canin, Purina Veterinary, and Hill’s Science Diet

Take a look at the ingredients before you buy dog food from your veterinarian. These formulas derive far more protein from grains or grain by-products. They also use poultry by-product (like feet, beaks, undeveloped eggs, and intestines) that are leftovers, unfit for human consumption—everything BUT clean meat. This cheap, low quality source of protein is far less digestible for your new dog. When looking for the best food, meat and a named meat meal (like chicken meal or lamb meal) should be listed in the ingredients before any grains. 

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• Myth: Dry Dog Food Cleans Your Dog’s Teeth 

Dogs have very pointed teeth; even their molars are sharp edged, not flat. These teeth are designed to bite, tear, and chew raw meat, so when a dog eats kibble, they either swallow it whole or shatter it. Kibble does not scrape down onto the lower parts of the teeth or near the gums which is where dental problems begin. Poor dental health can lead to chronic disease conditions. Healthy teeth start with a natural diet, healthy chews, and regular brushing. 

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• Myth: Pets Need Life Stage Appropriate Diets Like Puppy, Kitten, And Senior Formulas 

A high-quality, varied diet is the best option for your younger pets. For puppies, this can include dry food, canned, freeze-dried, dehydrated, and raw food. Feeding younger animals 3 times a day is helpful when they are in the biggest growth phase. After three or four months of age, two meals a day is sufficient. 

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• Myth: Senior Animals Tend To Slow Down As They Age

While a senior animal's calorie requirement may shrink, their need for the healthiest food you can provide is never greater than when they are older to keep their immune system strong and their joints in good working order. Continue to feed a high quality, varied diet—just a little less of it. Obesity can contribute to diabetes, arthritis, and urinary tract problems. 

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• Myth: Table Scraps And Other “People Foods” Are Bad For Your Dog 

Most holistically trained veterinarians encourage the practice of feeding “people food” to our pets. Have 100% pure pumpkin (canned without any other ingredients) on hand as a healthy source of fiber for nervous tummies or constipation. Healthy leftovers are an excellent supplement to your companion’s regular fare. There are three rules to keep in mind: (1) It must be healthy for them: meat; select steamed and finely chopped veggies and fruits; baked sweet potato, rice, or oatmeal are other good choices; no junk food; and (2) If you give them some of what you are eating, remember to feed less of their own food so that they don’t put on extra pounds; and (3) Some food that is safe for humans is toxic to dogs (and some of these foods may surprise you!). 

***It’s important to note that NOT all foods that are healthy for us are safe for our pets. Here are just some human foods that are toxic to dogs: alcohol, avocados, chocolate, coffee, grapes, chewing gum, mushrooms, dough, garlic, onions, potato, raisins, salty food, caffeine, cherries (and more).

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• Myth: Your Dog Should Only Eat Food Labeled “Complete And Balanced” 

Variety is the key to a healthy diet for dogs. If you’re feeding at least 50-60% commercially prepared foods that are designed to be “complete,” then you are on your way to providing a majority of the balance of nutrients. Adding canned, raw or cooked meats, select people food, fresh vegetables or other non-formulated foods to your companion’s meals will boost the overall nutrition of their diet as long as it is not overdone. Providing a daily multi-vitamin adds extra insurance. One caveat here: meat is higher in phosphorus and lower in calcium so when adding more than 15-20% extra meat to your dog's diet on a regular basis, keep the calcium and phosphorus ration balanced over time by including raw bones or adding a calcium supplement. 

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• Myth: Feeding A Raw Diet Is Dangerous Due To The Risk Of Salmonella And E. Coli 

Raw food moves through your pet’s system in less than half the time it would through a human’s system, and the acid level of a dog’s stomach is higher killing most bacteria. Even if the food was contaminated, it is likely that the microbes would not enter the animal’s bloodstream. Commercially prepared raw food manufacturers take measures to control against the presence of unwanted organisms such as salmonella and E.coli so if you’re concerned about contamination, frozen raw diets are a good option. The same precautions apply to both raw and frozen pet food: wash bowls, utensils, and your hands with hot soapy water after feeding and handling the meat. Keep the meat frozen until two to four days before feeding, and thaw in the refrigerator. Don’t make the food available to your pet for more than 30-40 minutes and throw any leftovers away after this time.

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• Myth: High Protein Diets Are Hard On Your Pet's Kidneys, Especially As They Age 

This myth is a result of poor quality food manufacturers. The truth is that high plant protein diets are hard on your pet’s organs; high animal protein diets aren’t only healthy for your aging pets, but essential. Poor quality, mass produced pet foods are packed with protein from soy and corn (fillers). Unfortunately, your dog is unable to properly digest and assimilate these sources of protein. Including fillers like soy and corn allows pet food manufacturers to boost the protein content of the food without actually offering our pets any substantial protein they can use. High plant protein diets put added strain on your pets because their bodies aren’t designed to process those ingredients. As they try to assimilate protein from these sources, their organs need to start working overtime. 

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• Myth: Changing Formulas Or Brands Of Pet Food Is Hard On Your Dog Or Cat's Digestion 

A healthy dog can eat a different food at each meal without issue as long as they are high-quality foods. Holistically-minded guardians and veterinarians know that variety is important for several reasons, the most important being to avoid the development of sensitivities to any particular food or protein type. Feeding the same food for several years is a contributing factor to inflammatory bowel disease. A diverse diet will meet the nutritional needs of your companion over time. Remember, every meal doesn’t need to be perfectly balanced as long as the diet is balanced over the course of a week. ​

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Remember to include supplements in their diet. Digestive enzymes are hugely important and will help your companion transition from one food type of food to another with ease; they help animals maintain a healthy digestive tract and get the most nutrition from their food. Essential fatty acids, especially from fish oil (like omega-3 fatty acids), that nourish the skin, coat, and digestive tract are missing from most processed pet foods. Probiotics are also important for animals on medication or those experiencing digestive upsets. For animals in need of increased support due to chronic digestive issues, Only Natural Pet GI Support provides herbs and nutrients to soothe and heal the lining of the digestive tract. 

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• Myth: It’s Fine For Dogs And Cats To Eat Each Other’s Food 

While there are a few canned formulas available that meet the needs of both species, most foods are designed specifically for cats or dogs. Cats require a higher percentage of protein and fat than most dogs, and they have specific requirements for additional taurine. Dogs who eat too much cat food are at risk of weight gain and even pancreatitis. Cats who eat dog food are at risk of weight gain when the food is high in carbohydrates, and are more likely to develop deficiencies in important amino acids like taurine.