New
Using Food As Medicine For Dogs
Does your dog suffer from persistent health issues? See how viewing food as medicine for dogs can help balance their health and improve their well-being.
If your dog suffers from persistent digestive upsets, skin conditions, behavior issues and other problems, their diet could be to blame. Research shows that food directly influences a dog’s health, behavior, and digestion.
As an integrative veterinarian, I’m passionate about using food as my treatment of choice for illness and disease. It’s amazing to see dogs thrive when placed on a diet and nutrition plan that elevates their health. This article explains how using food as medicine for dogs can make a difference to canine health and well-being.
Food therapy for dogs isn’t a new concept
Food therapy has existed for centuries. Many Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine practitioners use it. Before modern medicine, food and herbs were the only medicines accessible to people and their animals.
What you put in your dog’s body directly affects how they feel. Certain foods help, but others harm. Highly processed foods can be nutrient-deficient and harmful. Take a look at the table for a few everyday foods with the power of healing that can work as food as medicine for dogs.
Top medicinal foods for dogs
| Food | Benefits | Comments |
| Pumpkin | High in fiber; considered a superfood due to its vast supply of vitamins A, C and E; rich in beta-carotene which promotes vision and may reduce cancer risk. | When canine patients exhibit signs of gastrointestinal upset, I reach for pumpkin. In cases of mild, acute diarrhea, gas, or constipation, I add pumpkin puree into the diet before trying anything else. This simple trick tends to work wonders. |
| Turmeric | Contains curcumin, known to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. | A plant in the ginger family; you can add turmeric powder to a dog’s diet to help with inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, joints, and skin. |
| Flaxseeds | A natural source of dietary fiber and Omega-3 fatty acids; fiber promotes healthy digestion, while Omega-3s provide energy and aid in overall heart, brain, joint, and eye health. | Omega-3s help repair and protect the skin barrier. Good quality fish oil is another great source of Omega-3 fatty acids. |
| Carrots | Full of vitamins and insoluble fiber; useful for strengthening tooth enamel and vision; supports healthy skin and coat. | Carrots make a great natural chew for dogs. |
| Cucumbers | A great source of hydration for dogs that don’t drink much water. | Cucumbers are made primarily of water (95%). |
| Blueberries | Natural source of antioxidants and vitamins; offer many benefits, including improved vision and enhanced mental function in senior dogs. | Low in calories so they make a healthy dog treat. |
| Sweet potatoes | Great source of dietary fiber, which aids digestion; also contain vitamin C, iron, and antioxidants. | A super vegetable with many benefits and high nutritional value; the best way to feed them to your dog is by cooking them as a soft treat – don’t add salt or seasonings. |
| Lion’s mane mushrooms | Traditionally used for digestion, but also supports healthy cognitive function. | A great addition to a senior dog’s diet. |
Start your dog with a good dietary foundation
Overall, it’s important to ensure the diet you’re giving your dog already contains most of the ingredients needed for a happy, healthy animal. Feeding higher-quality food may seem pricy, but will save you money on medical treatments in the long run. By incorporating top-quality protein and other nutritious ingredients, you can improve your dog’s health.
Each dog has unique dietary needs, depending on their lifestyle, organ health, breed, age, and known deficiencies. Work with an integrative or holistic veterinarian to develop the best nutrition plan for your canine companion.
Food has always been medicine. If your dog’s diet contains ingredients you can’t pronounce or have never heard of, it’s time to reconsider their food, especially if they’re experiencing chronic health problems.
In the wild, animals consume only what they find in their natural environments. Shouldn’t this principle apply to our dogs as well? Shop for a diet made from real food ingredients, consider using food as medicine for dogs, and watch your best friend thrive.
Case report – Loki
Loki, our seven-year-old Dachshund mix, struggled with indigestion, low appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea since coming home from the shelter as a three-month-old puppy. We don’t know if he was fed a poor diet prior to adoption, or if the anxiety of his past traumas gave him a sensitive digestive tract.
After years of diagnostic testing, diet changes, and medications, nothing improved. We began to wonder if Loki’s life would always include diarrhea, vomiting, and inappetence. When I started viewing his food as medicine, I was finally able to strengthen Loki’s sensitive gut and give him the life he deserved.
After learning about the health benefits of different foods, we created a plan to resolve Loki’s symptoms. We fed him fresh foods rich in protein, carbs, vegetables, and fruits. We also added air-dried kibble that contained turmeric (for inflammation), flaxseeds (for digestion and Omega-3s), and sweet potatoes (for their nutrient-dense profile).
Almost immediately, Loki showed excitement and interest in his new diet, and within two or three days had no more symptoms of vomiting or diarrhea.
By adding nutritional ingredients with proven health benefits to Loki’s diet, we created a low-maintenance treatment plan that improved his health. It was astounding to see how medications had minimal effect compared to a nutritious diet, which not only resolved Loki’s symptoms but helped prevent further illness.
Veterinarian Dr. Ambika Vaid earned her credentials from Midwestern University in Arizona. Specializing in animal nutrition, surgery, and dental procedures, she offers a comprehensive approach to animal care and disease prevention. Dr. Vaid also serves as Veterinary Advisor to Badlands Ranch, and was recently appointed Associate Veterinarian with Chewy Vet Care in Denver, Colorado.
The post Using food as medicine for dogs appeared first on Animal Wellness Magazine.
