Skip to main content

Library

Dogs + Diet & Nutrition

  • It can be a challenge to prevent rebound weight gain once a pet has lost some weight. Sticking to a specific number of calories, weighing food portions, and helping your pet stay physically active are a few recommendations. This article addresses several commonly asked questions about how to help a pet during the maintenance phase (after the weight has been lost).

  • There are several reasons why your dog might be a picky eater. It’s important to first rule out an underlying medical condition. Picky eaters can be created by their humans offering too much variety of food or can result from dogs being overfed treats and snacks. Homemade diets can be an option, but come with several limitations that need to be carefully considered. Other approaches are outlined.

  • No Scoot® Supplement Powder (No Scoot® Supplement Powder Plus Pumpkin for Dogs) is a dietary supplement for dogs that helps to support normal bowel movements as well as anal gland health and function. It contains a blend of ingredients including flaxseed, psyllium husk, pumpkin and dandelion root and other sources of crude fiber. It is given orally.

  • A nutraceutical is a food or food product that reportedly provides health and medical benefits. Specific nutraceuticals are commonly used in the management of osteoarthritis in dogs. Because nutraceuticals are not subjected to the same testing and regulation as pharmaceuticals, it is always best to consult your veterinarian before giving any to your dog.

  • Nutritional changes can help manage pancreatic diseases in dogs. To prevent chronic pancreatitis relapses, diet adjustments will be necessary. Diet factors for managing exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, diabetes mellitus, pancreatitis, and insulinoma are discussed. Recommendations for feeding diabetic dogs and approaching hypoglycemia are also described.

  • This handout summarizes the strong link between good nutrition and healthy skin and fur. Issues dealing with skin are a very common reason for visits to the vet, and the role of diet and supplementation in treating these conditions are highlighted.

  • When the digestive tract is upset, vomiting and diarrhea may result. Since the causes of these symptoms are varied, it's best to consult a veterinarian. Often, a gastrointestinal (GI) diet is recommended to support the digestive tract and ensure the gut gets the nutrients it needs to recover. A bland diet of cooked chicken and rice might be recommended, but it has several limitations and is not appropriate for long-term feeding.

  • Pet owners can greatly improve the quality of life for their dogs with osteoarthritis through nutrition. Key steps to managing inflammation and joint pain include managing daily calorie intake and increasing fat metabolism through controlled physical rehabilitation.

  • Chronic kidney disease is frequently diagnosed in older dogs. Nutrition is important in managing this condition. Commercial therapeutic diets for dogs with CKD support kidney function while maintaining a stable body weight and body condition. Your veterinarian will help you choose an appropriate diet for your dog, with with the goal of slowing disease progression while extending your dog’s quality of life for as long as possible.

  • As dogs live longer, they have a greater chance of developing diseases associated with advanced age, such as cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS). Diets rich in antioxidants such as vitamin E, vitamin C, selenium, L-carnitine, alpha-lipoic acid, flavonoids, and carotenoids have been shown to help slow the decline of brain function. Your veterinarian can help you choose a diet with a nutrient profile suitable for your dog.