The answer is ideally yes, but in practicality no, not every meal has to be 100% complete and balanced. The reason is dogs, just like humans, can acquire their nutrient requirements over several meals and days (with some exceptions, like B vitamins which are needed in the diet every day). Some meals maybe deficient in certain nutrients and other meals may have an oversupply of nutrients. The concept of feeding a complete and balanced meal to our pets originated with the pet f

The skin is the largest organ of the body and a barrier that protects an animal from the environment. The skin plays a crucial role in preventing water loss, exposure to contaminants and protection from UV rays, bacteria and fungi; while nerves in the skin perceive heat, cold and pain. The condition of the skin is a good indicator of the health of an animal. ​ The health and appearance of the skin and coat is impacted by an animal’s genetics, nutrition, health, emotional stat

Every cell in every organism has evolved to survive, grow and multiply on a wide range of species-appropriate nutrients. Food is the source of this nutrition and the more natural the food, the better the quality of nutrition. It is essential that an animal is fed the type of food it has evolved to eat in order for it to utilise the nutrients and gain sustenance from the food to maintain health and prevent and fight illness and disease. ​ When it comes to cats and dogs they ha

Kidney disease, deterioration and failure of the kidneys is a common problem in old age in dogs and cats, however an alarming percentage of young and middle-aged animals are succumbing to kidney failure too. The kidneys are fragile organs and take time to heal and in the case of progressive kidney disease, time is of the essence. Preventative measures in terms of a healthy lifestyle, which includes proper nutrition and exercise, are the best approach to prevent this condition

Vitamins and minerals play a key role in the healthy development of muscles, tissues, bones, joints and organs. In the book Alternative and Complementary Veterinary Medicine: Principles and Practise, Dr. Wendell Belfield, states that hip dysplasia maybe related to an animals inability or difficulty in synthesising enough collagen to assist in maintaining joint stability which maybe caused by insufficient vitamin C in the pets diet. ​ An animal fed a low-quality, poorly digest

A tiny mite (demodex canis) lives inside a few hair follicles in most healthy dogs without causing any harm or irritation, and are usually acquired as young puppies while they are suckling from their mother. A dog/puppy with a healthy immune system is usually unaffected by these mites, however these mites can multiply rapidly in a dog with an immature or weak immune system. When these mites multiply and cause problems it leads to hair loss and is called Demodex Mange. The hai

Alopecia is the common term used to describe hair loss but also includes a failure of the hair in the first place. Alopecia is usually a sign of an underlying disorder (e.g. underactive thyroid, cushings disease), which must be diagnosed accurately by a veterinarian in order for effective treatment to begin. Another cause of alopecia can be stress, exposure to a chemical irritant or seasonal pollen, if no medical reason can be found for the hair loss have a look around the h

Immune related reactions to certain foods, chemicals, pollens, grasses, vaccinations, flea and worming treatment and many other potential allergens are among the most common causes of allergies in dogs and cats, and a leading cause of visits to the vet. When the immune system is unable to neutralise an allergen, it releases histamines which lead to inflammation and itching. ​ The mucous layer of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract plays an important function in the digestion of f

Vitamins Vitamins are organic substances found in food and play an essential role in bone development, normal eye function, blood clotting and metabolism of proteins and amino acids. Vitamins A, D, E and K are fat soluble while B complex and C vitamins are water soluble. Fat and water soluble vitamins are absorbed and stored in the body differently. Water soluble vitamins are absorbed in the small intestine and any excesses are excreted in urine. Fat-soluble vitamins are prim

Proteins are the main structural constituents of the body’s organs and tissues including collagen and elastin found in cartilage, tendons and ligaments, and keratin proteins in skin hair and nails. Humans and animals need protein in the diet to ensure the healthy maintenance of our bodies. Protein is also a source of energy and is required by our pets for a healthy immune system, strong bones and muscles so a good quality protein is essential in the diet. In fact, our pets ne