04/02/2025
𝐂𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐃𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬
Some pet owners are hesitant to continue feeding fresh food when a veterinary-prescribed, commercial diet is recommended. While these diets can be beneficial in certain cases, fresh food can provide benefits above what any processed food or supplement can deliver. Some may even consider feeding essential in managing common health conditions in dogs.
Before we get into it, remember to always consult with your veterinarian to ensure the diet is appropriate for your dog’s specific condition. Professional guidance is highly recommended to tailor a diet plan that addresses your dog's unique needs, to ensure nutritional balance and complement any prescribed treatments. The below is general information and may not be suitable for all dogs.
Here’s some foods to consider feeding for common health concerns in dogs, and what you should avoid. If you have a cat with a health concern, a personalised consult is best.
1. 𝑺𝒆𝒏𝒔𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝑺𝒕𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒄𝒉𝒔 & 𝑫𝒊𝒈𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝑰𝒔𝒔𝒖𝒆𝒔
For dogs with gastrointestinal issues, focus on easily digestible foods that promote gut health:
Lightly cooked ground turkey – Low-fat, easily digestible protein, high in tryptophan to reduce emotional stress which may be contributing to gastrointestinal upset.
Pumpkin – High in soluble fiber, which aids in both diarrhea and constipation by regulating stool consistency.
Rice – Cooked and cooled white rice provides resistant starch which feeds the microbiome. This may not be suitable for all dogs, but for some it is gentle on the digestive system and can help firm stools. Some grains when prepared correctly can have their place in a dog’s diet but shouldn’t be overfed.
Calcium - ensuring adequate calcium through either a supplement or bone content (whichever works best for your dog) will help firm and bulk stools.
Probiotic Foods - Fermented vegetables, kefir, a canine specific probitoic or natural yoghurt may all help boost microbial diversity and overall digestive strength. Apple cider vinegar can help promote stomach acidity, digestion and control blood sugar levels when added to meals.
Foods that may not work for all dogs: Excessive raw vegetables, high insoluble fibre foods like psyllium, raw meats. Identify any food intolerances and remove these proteins from the diet.
2. 𝑱𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒕 𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒃𝒍𝒆𝒎𝒔 & 𝑨𝒓𝒕𝒉𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒔
For dogs with arthritis, focus on anti-inflammatory foods rich in omega-3s and glucosamine:
Fatty fish (salmon, mackerel) – Rich in EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce inflammation and support cartilage repair by inhibiting cytokine production. Marine algae oil is a plant based option here.
Flaxseeds – Plant-based omega-3 source (ALA), contributing to reduced systemic inflammation. They are also a source of manganese which is essential for building and maintaining joints. Feed as freshly ground or cold pressed oil.
Bone broth – Contains collagen and glycosaminoglycans (e.g., glucosamine), which help in cartilage repair and support joint health. These nutrients work together to reduce inflammation and support cartilage regeneration, enhancing joint mobility.
Avoid: Excess weight, sedentary lifestyle and heavily processed foods.
3. 𝑺𝒌𝒊𝒏 𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 & 𝑨𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒓𝒈𝒊𝒆𝒔
For dogs with skin issues, focus on anti-inflammatory, nutrient-dense foods:
Coconut oil – Contains lauric acid, which reduces skin inflammation and enhances moisture retention in the skin. Select high quality stored in glass.
Hempseed & Flaxseed Oil – Cold pressed oils high in ALA and LA which are essential for skin condition.
Leafy greens (spinach, kale) – Rich in vitamins A, C, and E, antioxidants that help reduce oxidative stress and promote skin health. These foods enhance skin barrier function and help manage allergic reactions and dryness.
Fatty fish (salmon, mackerel) – Rich in EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce inflammation. Marine algae oil is a plant based option here.
Foods that may not work for all dogs: High histamine vegetables (spinach), proteins (ground beef) or fermented gut supportive foods. Know your dogs intolerances and avoid these foods.
4. 𝑾𝒆𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝑴𝒂𝒏𝒂𝒈𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕
For weight management, prioritize proteins and fiber-rich foods:
Animal based protein and fats – supporting lean muscle mass, nutritionally dense whilst reducing blood sugar spikes. Managing insulin is key to burning excess fat stores.
Wild caught meats - Kangaroo, venison, bison and pheasant are a few proteins which may assist with weight loss. Nutrient dense with high omega 3:6 ratio compared to conventionally farmed meats.
Leafy greens – Low-calorie, high-fiber vegetables that are nutrient dense, high in antioxidants and reduce overall caloric intake. The promotion of a healthy gut microbiome through diversity in plant material also supports weight control and overall health.
Supportive supplements - L-Carnitine, vitamin E and vitamin C supplementation have been proven to therapeutically assist with weight loss in dogs through their antioxidant, metabolic and regenerative functionalities.
Avoid: processed foods, high carbohydrate diets, low fat high protein diets (harsh on the kidneys).
5. 𝑲𝒊𝒅𝒏𝒆𝒚 𝒐𝒓 𝑳𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝑫𝒊𝒔𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒆
For kidney or liver disease, focus on easily digestible, low-phosphorus foods:
Low-phosphorus proteins (egg whites, dark poultry meat, specially selected cuts) – Easier on the kidneys, reducing the buildup of phosphorus in the blood, which can lead to further kidney damage.
Sweet potato & pumpkin – Digestible carbohydrates that help maintain energy without taxing the kidneys. Promotes gut diversity with provides additional support to the kidneys.
Bone broth – Rich in collagen, glycine, and proline, which support liver and kidney detoxification while providing hydration.
Herbs - Dandelion root: supports kidney filtration and acts as a mild diuretic.
Milk thistle: contains silymarin, a compound that protects liver cells from oxidative damage and promotes liver regeneration.
Avoid: High-oxalate foods (e.g., spinach, beet greens, parsley), as they can contribute to kidney stone formation, high phosphorus foods (sardines, bones, nuts, grains, some cuts of meat). Reduce but don’t avoid organ meats.
6. 𝑫𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒂 / 𝑪𝒂𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒆 𝑪𝒐𝒈𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝑫𝒚𝒔𝒇𝒖𝒏𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 (𝑪𝑪𝑫)
For dogs with cognitive dysfunction, foods rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, and specific nutrients can slow mental decline:
Fatty fish (salmon, sardines) – High in DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid that supports neuronal integrity and cognitive function.
Blueberries – Packed with anthocyanins, which have neuroprotective effects by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain.
Eggs – Rich in choline, which aids in acetylcholine production, a neurotransmitter vital for memory and cognitive function.
MCT oil - An extract of coconut oil which has been proved to assist with cognitive function.
Supplements - Medicinal mushrooms such as Lion’s Mane may assist with neural pathways. Turmeric or curcumin also has neuroprotective properties and may slow the progression of cognitive decline by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain.
Avoid: highly processed diet, high carbohydrate diet, high omega 6 diet (excess of poultry, seed oils or dry food).
When you find yourself presented with a health concern in your pet and are unsure about switching to a veterinary prescription brand, consider these tweaks! If in doubt, there are professionals who work specifically with diets that assist these conditions too.
