Nutrition
For most, the basis of a good diet starts with choosing a top quality kibble. We recommend CSJ command performance super premium kibble or James wellbeloved (You can order it from most good pet shops). Kibble Info is an excellent website that goes into detail about grading the quality of different kibbles, and is well worth a read. We find that a kibble around the 22-26 percent protein mark gives best results, and where possible organic produce is best.
Ultimately I do not believe that there exists a kibble that totally covers all of a dog’s nutritional need, and to get the very best from a dog they need to be fed a natural raw diet. We have fed raw for a couple of years now and the difference in the dogs is clear to see. Here is a FAQ on the bones and raw food (B.A.R.F.) diet for those who are new to it: BARF Diet we recommended the book “Give your dog a bone” by Ian Billinghurst: Give your dog a bone.
We believe in feeding our dogs until they are full, rather than following feeding recommendations. When accustom to eating this way dogs will regulate the amount they eat naturally. If dogs are fed correctly and exercised sufficiently we have found that they will be in perfect shape.
If a dog is out of shape then either the owner isn’t exercising the dog adequately or they are supplementing the dogs diet with inappropriate foods (“treats”), its very rare that the condition is medical if the dog is of reasonable age. There are very few excuses for obese dogs, and it is quite literally killing them with kindness. A fit, properly exercised and well-fed dog is a happy dog.
As a general rule to check if a dog is in good shape, the last two ribs of its ribcage should be visible (or easy to feel in longer coated dogs); If more ribs are showing then its advisable to give them a few supplemental treats (cheese cubes, full fat goats milk or green tripe are all fine). Conversely, if no ribs are visible then it’s advisable to increase exercise or to look at a lighter diet.
Dogs gain a great deal of satisfaction from chewing as their brain releases calming endorphins as they do so. This is why they look in a permanent state of bliss when they are chewing on an old stick. To satisfy this craving, and to protect ones furniture from becoming a default victim it’s best to keep a fairly steady supply of nice meaty raw bones for them. Rib bones are a particular favourite, though barely last long at all with breeds such as Neapolitan Mastiffs and Spanish Alano’s, so its best to provide a mixture of sizes. The less substantial bones such as ribs last just a few minutes, but the heavier bones such as marrowbones lasting far longer. You can usually get the bones from your local butcher for free or for a small cost, and they are far more beneficial than manufactured dog treats.
In terms of supplements the only ones we advise are glucosamine chondroitin to help prevent the damages in joints from accidental knocks, Vitamin-C (or fruit or veg if the dog will eat it) as dogs cannot produce it themselves. In the wild they get it from fruit and vegetables, though if it is lacking in a dogs diet Esther-C (Vit-C in a form that wont upset dogs stomachs) is a good source. Finally, we occasionally add a teaspoon of cod liver oil to their meal if they haven’t eaten fish in a few days.
Ultimately the rule for humans is the same rule for dogs, “You are what you eat”. If you want a lively happy dog, it pays to feed it well.
An example of happy healthy dogs.