Dog Owners Favor Fresh Food and Natural Supplements for Their Pets – texasagpress

When Sanjana Madappa’s rescue Rottweiler, Diego, turned two, his life took a challenging turn. He began experiencing seizures, a condition that required immediate veterinary attention. Following her vet’s advice, Sanjana started Diego on conventional medication. However, like many medications, these came with side effects, including muscle weakness that eventually led to arthritis in his hind legs. As time passed, Diego developed a tolerance to the medication, necessitating higher dosages. The situation reached a critical point when Diego could no longer walk, prompting Sanjana to seek alternative solutions.

A Shift in Approach

Recognizing the need for change, Sanjana decided to remove Diego from conventional supplements. She introduced natural alternatives such as moringa powder, turmeric paste, apple cider vinegar, and virgin coconut oil, rotating these supplements to provide a variety of nutrients. Additionally, she overhauled Diego’s diet, eliminating inflammatory foods and transitioning him to a pure protein-based diet supplemented with vegetables. Within three weeks, Diego’s energy levels surged, and he was back to running around, much to Sanjana’s relief. Inspired by her success, she implemented these dietary changes for the dogs at the CUPA Second Chance Adoption Centre, which she runs.

Learning from Experience

Sanjana’s journey into the world of canine nutrition was enriched by her interactions with animal welfare worker Chinthana Gopinath. Chinthana, who has seven dogs, emphasizes the importance of species-specific diets. “Regardless of my food habits, my dogs get animal protein in their diet because they need that,” she explains. Each of her dogs receives a tailored diet that includes meat, vegetables, and appropriate grains. For instance, one of her dogs thrives on a ragi diet due to rice intolerance. Chinthana also prepares natural supplements at home, such as turmeric paste and fermented vegetables, to enhance her dogs’ health.

The Downfall of Packaged Food

Chinthana’s experience mirrors a growing trend among pet owners who are moving away from packaged dog food. Initially, she fed her dogs kibble, but extensive research led her to eliminate it entirely. The results were remarkable. “They love the real food, since it’s mental stimulation for them as well,” she notes. Dogs perceive the world through their sense of smell, and introducing different herbs into their meals adds excitement to their dining experience. Chinthana observed improvements in her dogs’ immunity, coat shine, and overall vitality, confirming the benefits of a fresh, home-cooked diet.

A Balanced Approach

Melissa Marak, a technical escalation manager and owner of seven senior dogs, also recognized the limitations of a traditional diet. Initially feeding her dogs a simple chicken and rice meal, she soon realized that this lacked essential vitamins and nutrients. The random portioning of meals led to weight fluctuations among her dogs. By supplementing their diet with a balanced mix of meat, vegetables, and rice, she achieved better health outcomes. “After I made the switch to a more balanced diet, my dogs’ skin got better, and they weren’t as bothered by arthritis,” Melissa shares. The introduction of turmeric paste and coconut oil further reduced their reliance on allopathic medications.

The Importance of Nutrition

The adage “you are what you eat” holds true for dogs as well. Dog trainer Yamika Damani emphasizes that a diet consisting solely of kibble is akin to humans subsisting on junk food. After observing her American Staffordshire Terrier, Pixie, struggle with an autoimmune disease that weakened her skin, Yamika turned to diet as a means of management. “It took vets many years to figure out how to treat her, with a lot of medication. But I was able to figure out how to use diet to manage her condition,” she explains. The switch to a home-cooked, fresh food diet yielded remarkable results, restoring Pixie’s health and vitality.

A Return to Tradition

Yamika’s experience echoes a nostalgic sentiment among many pet owners who remember a time before the prevalence of packaged pet food in India. “We need to go back to that,” she asserts, advocating for a return to home-cooked meals for dogs. The shift towards natural, wholesome diets is not just a trend; it represents a deeper understanding of canine nutrition and health.

Conclusion

The stories of Sanjana, Chinthana, Melissa, and Yamika illustrate the profound impact that nutrition can have on a dog’s health and well-being. By moving away from conventional, packaged foods and embracing natural, home-cooked diets, pet owners can significantly enhance their furry companions’ quality of life. As more people recognize the importance of species-specific nutrition, the future looks promising for dogs like Diego, who have found renewed energy and joy through the power of food.