When I first adopted my dog Max, he was very, VERY stinky. He had been at the shelter for at least 6 weeks, and no one was clear on his history before that. I adopted a very lovable and a VERY stinky dog.
I remember thinking to myself “That smell is nothing that a good bath won’t cure”.
But the first bath didn’t cure the smell.
Nor did the second bath.
Max had been eating an inexpensive, low quality brand of dog food; once he entered our household, his diet was automatically changed to a holistic, organic brand. He also received top quality treats and fresh veggies, such as carrots and broccoli, still his favorite veggies.
The third bath didn’t do the trick, but in less than a month of eating a quality dog food, Max was no longer stinky, he just smelled like a clean, healthy dog.
Why would changing dog food make such an incredible difference for Max? As Talk2theAnimalsRadio holistic pet wellness expert Shannon Benecke says:
“Bottom line is that like humans, dogs and cats need a balanced diet to live long, healthy lives. it makes more sense to know exactly what I am feeding my pets. Relying on a pet food company to tell me that their brand will make my dogs and cat have a healthy immune system is not acceptable to me. A healthy animal is one with a strong immune system. A strong immune system is supported with a species specific diet”.
What are some common denominators you will find in a healthy food for your animal pal?
- A high-quality protein source listed as the first ingredient on the package
- Use of healthy fats
- Use of quality whole grains
- Includes fruits and vegetables
- Includes vitamins and minerals
- Age/species appropriate diet
What to avoid in your animal’s diet:
- Processed foods
- Glutens
- Artificial Colors, Flavors and Preservatives
- By-Products
So it’s time to start reading those labels. Frankly, I avoid anything that has something in it that I can’t pronounce. When in doubt, contact a holistic pet wellness specialist such as Shannon for help. You can hear Shannon talk about diet and holistic pet wellness on Talk2theAnimalsRadio the third Tuesday of the month.
Just like us humans, a healthy animal pal has a healthy diet.
Harmony,
Janet Roper
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Been feeding my dogs raw meat and veggies since they were pups. Recently changed to a high quality kibble as I had noticed what looked like allergies to commercial raw chicken and needed to take a break. And when I juice they come running cause they get the pulp with an egg on top. Yep food matters!
LOL! Couldn’t say it better myself Deborah! Thanks for visiting and leaving your comment
Yes, nutrition that works makes all the difference! (for people, too) Many years ago I had a dobe that needed premium food for whatever was in it, probably the essential fatty acids; within two days of eating cheap food her hair would start falling out by the handful and she would stink like a rotten wet leather shoe, and within a day of feeding her better food she was back to her normal shiny coat and no smell. It didn’t take me too long to figure that one out! My other dogs haven’t been so obvious, but I feed them good food anyway.
Yes, the quality of food does make a difference; even with my horse, I changed his diet and he was able to get off the thyroid meds he’d been on for practically his entire life! Thx for sharing Lynn