Uncover the keys to supporting dogs with pancreatitis through diet. Find out how low-fat, fresh foods aid recovery and enhance your pet's well-being.
The pancreas is an important organ that produces enzymes that are needed to digest food. After being used, these enzymes then exit the body via the small intestine.
When the pancreas becomes very inflamed, these enzymes spill into the abdominal cavity instead of being eliminated through the intestine. This not only causes the pancreas to “digest itself” but it also causes damage to other organs that work closely with the pancreas, including the liver, bile ducts, and gallbladder, and intestines. 1
Pancreatitis can be acute or chronic (where dogs will continue to experience flare ups or relapses over months or years).
According to VCA Hospitals, it’s not always possible to determine the exact cause of pancreatitis. In many dogs, it seems to appear suddenly, for no obvious reasons.
Still, there are plenty of risk factors for pancreatitis. While the cause won’t change how the problem is treated, trying to identify it could help prevent future flare ups. Some potential causes behind a pancreatitis attack include:
Although not a definitive answer, some dog breeds do seem to carry a genetic predisposition to developing pancreatitis. These include cocker spaniels, miniature schnauzers, and miniature poodles. Pancreatitis is also more common in senior dogs and dogs carrying extra weight, as their pancreas might already be burneded because of it. Females are slightly more likely to develop pancreatitis than males.3
Pancreatitis is very painful. Most owners notice signs of pain before anything else, though they often cannot identify the source of it. With pancreatitis, pain often comes with arching of the back. This is a natural reaction to try to ease the discomfort coming from the abdominal cavity.4
Pain can be so intense that sometimes dogs adopt a “praying position,” with the front of their bodies low to the floor and their rear end up in the air. This eases some of the pressure on the abdomen and helps (momemtarily) with pain. Some dogs might go into shock because of the intensity of the pain.5
Other symptoms of pancreatitis include: 6
Vets diagnose pancreatitis through a number of blood tests, including an elevated white blood cell count and a check of the pancreatic enzymes level. X-rays and ultrasounds might also be needed to determine the level of inflammation of the pancreas and surrounding organs.7
There’s no specific medication to treat pancreatitis. Vets use a combination of drugs and Intravenous (IV) fluid therapy to flush the body of toxins and manage the symptoms while allowing the pancreas to heal. 8
Dogs usually receive pain medication to help them stabilize and rest better so the body can recover. They will also need anti-nausea/anti-vomiting medication. In some cases, vets might add antibiotics to the mix. Dogs who are experiencing extreme symptoms might need to be hospitalized with IV fluids for several days.
Both for treatment and long-term management, dogs with pancreatitis need to be switched to a low-fat diet. Wen eating a prescription food, vets sometimes recommended a low-fat gastrointestainal support diet, as this helps ease inflammation while keeping the fat content low as well. 9
No table scraps and no treats allowed unless a vet can verify the fat content is safe. Dogs with pancreatitis (or recovering from it) should eat small, frequent meals during the day instead of two regular-sized ones. This will ease the pressure on the pancreas, but also on the stomach – which in turn can reduce nausea and acid reflux (a common problem for many dogs recovering from pancreatitis).
While your dog was very sick from pancreatitis, chances are eating wasn’t a top priority. Once pain and some of the other symptoms start to subside, you’ll have to reintroduce food very slowly. According to PetMD, a good rule of thumb is to start with about a quarter of the amount your dog used to eat. Divide that amount into 3-4 portions and feed that throughout the day. If there’s no vomiting or diarrhea, add an additional quarter after 24 hours until you go back to the normal amounts.
As fats cause the pancreas to produce more enzymes (which in turn worsen inflammation), the best way to heal the pancreas is to offer your dog only low-fat foods. For some dogs, this might be a temporary need while they recover; for others, it might remain a lifelong requirement to prevent flare-ups.
If you’re feeding a commercial dog food, look for options that are low fat but also provide your dog with omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce inflammation.10 You can feed both dry kibble or canned food, though canned food is easier to digest and provides additional moisture, so it might be a better choice for pancreatitis (at least through the initial recovery period).
Another option for dogs with pancreatitis is to feed homemade food. This provides many advantages. For starters, if your dog is still experiencing some diarrhea or tummy troubles, you can start by cooking a bland diet, which consists of a single protein (like lean chicken or turkey breast) and a single carbohydrate (like white rice) with nothing else added. You can take a look at our article on Bland Diets to help you get started.
Once your dog stabilizes, it’s possible to continue cooking a pancreas-friendly diet. However, if you plan on cooking for your long-term, you should consider consulting with a veterinary nutritionist to ensure you are feeding the proper balance of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. In most cases, you will also need to add supplements that support
the digestive system and provide all necessary nutrients – and a nutritionist would be able to help you with that.
Fresh food has many benefits, but making sure you’re feeding something well-balanced on your own can be tricky. To ensure your dog is getting the best possible nutrition, why not reach out to the professionals. Cola's Kitchen offers food that is individually balanced based on your dog's nutritional needs, making it easier than ever to care for your dog with human-grade fresh meals.
We always recommend talking to your vet about food if your dog is sick. Once your dog has recovered and ready to go back to well-balanced eating, our wholesome meals might be just what your pooch needs.
Explore the critical role of diet in managing kidney disease in dogs. Learn about causes, symptoms, and the power of fresh, balanced nutrition for kidney health in our detailed guide.
Kidneys play a very important role in the body, filtering out unwanted substances and toxins so they can be released through urine. The kidneys also regulate the balance of fluid and electrolytes in the body by continually filtering the blood. When the kidneys aren’t working properly, a lot of things in the body go wrong –toxin levels go up, causing nausea and vomiting, blood pressure starts to increase, and dogs become dehydrated. This leads to an imbalance of certain electrolytes. The kidneys are also partially responsible for red blood cell production and help with calcium metabolism.
Kidney problems can cause a number of issues that destabilize the body and can make your dog feel very sick. The sooner you catch the condition, the better your chances of helping your dog feel better again.
The easiest answer to this is … nobody knows. Sometimes it’s a combination of factors that over time cause the kidneys to “wear out.”
Acute kidney failure, which happens suddenly, is often the result of an accident. For example, your dog might ingest antifreeze, garden pesticides, or even human medication. Severe dehydration, severe bacterial infection, trauma (like being hit by a car or a fall) and untreated UTIs can also sometimes lead to acute kidney failure.
Chronic kidney disease is more of a mystery. Vets know it’s more common in older dogs and can be worsened by dental disease. But in some cases, it can also be genetic, triggered in dogs with diabetes or those receiving cancer treatment.
According to The International Renal Interest Society (IRIS), breed is also a risk factor, as Shar Pei, Bull Terrier, English Cocker Spaniel, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, West Highland White Terrier, and Boxer are more predisposed to kidney problems. They also point out that some commonly used medications, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain, certain bactericidal antibiotics, and even some vaccines, can also increase the risk of chronic kidney disease.
Other potential risk factors include kidney infections and kidney stones, as well as leptospirosis.
IRIS also points out that there are some indications that diets with “high inclusion rates of inorganic forms of phosphate may lead to kidney damage in cats.” There haven’t been studies done on dogs, and more work is needed to understand why this affects cats, but it’s something to keep in mind: diet can sometimes have a direct effect on kidney health.
Detecting kidney disease can be very tricky. The easiest way is through a blood test that measures things like blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine and phosphorus. Your vet can also check your dog’s SDMA (symmetric dimethylarginine), a marker for early kidney disease. When these numbers are elevated, it’s a sure sign that something’s amiss with the kidneys.
Of course, if you don’t notice any symptoms, you would have no reason to have your dog’s kidneys checked. And that’s when trouble starts. According to Pet Health Network, by the time you’re able to detect kidney disease, the kidneys are likely functioning at only 25% to 33% of their capacity.
Early signs of kidney disease can be tricky to recognize, but two things you often notice is increased thirst and urination. Dogs might also have “accidents” inside the house even though they’ve been housebroken for years or suddenly cannot get through the night without having to go out to urinate at least once. As these can also be signs of diabetes, it’s important to talk to your vet as soon as possible to rule out other diseases. Kidney disease often affects appetite and might cause dogs to be tired and lethargic as well. Vomiting and diarrhea are also possible.
Unfortunately, there’s no treatment available that will completely heal the kidneys and reverse kidney disease. There are a number of supplements you can use to stabilize them, and with the proper course of treatment, you might actually lower some of the numbers that are causing symptoms.
Intravenous (IV) fluid therapy is one of the most common ways to treat kidney disease, as IV fluids will help flush toxins and improve how your dog feels. If your dog has high blood pressure or is losing protein in his urine, your vet will also prescribe medications to control this.
A diet change is the most important thing you can do to help your dog’s kidneys. As a general rule of thumb, you want to feed your dog so that the pressure on the kidneys is minimal. Therefore, they need food which keeps the amount of unwanted substances at its lowest in the body. They also need food that keeps the optimum balance of electrolytes in the body. They will need the right amount and ratio of calcium and phosphorus as well as sodium, potassium and other minerals.
According to the Veterinary Medical Center at Tufts University, “pets with kidney disease should be fed diets reduced in phosphorus, protein, and sodium and supplemented with omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil.” Reducing phosphorus in the diet is especially important, as keeping phosphorus low is essential to slow down the progression of kidney disease.
Indigestible proteins produce a lot of waste products that the kidneys then have to deal with, so reducing the amount of crude protein your dog eats (by using highly digestible proteins instead) will be essential to make him feel better. Protein is the source of amino acids, which means you cannot completely eliminate protein from your dog’s diet, or his health will suffer further. But according to Today’s Veterinary Practice, you can make sure that you’re feeding high-quality protein – so even if you reduce the overall amount of it, you’re still providing optimal nutrition.
In a study comparing the lifespan of dogs with Chronic Kidney Disease eating a renal diet compared to a “regular” maintenance diet, the dogs eating a prescription renal diet lived significantly longer. In fact, after two years, 65% of dogs eating the maintenance diet had died from renal-related causes, but only 33% of those eating the renal diet had died for the same reasons.
Pets with kidney disease should not eat snacks like cheese, as this contains both high protein and lots of sodium.
There are plenty of commercial renal foods available that are designed to provide all the nutrients to help the kidneys. This is a good first step for pet parents who feel overwhelmed with what to feed their dogs after the initial diagnosis.
Dogs with kidney disease can also do well on a homemade diet, but cooking it yourself can be very tricky. If this is something you want to pursue, you should contact a veterinary nutritionist to ensure you are feeding the proper amount of proteins, carbohydrates, veggies, vitamins and minerals, especially calcium and phosphorus, so your dog can get all the nutrients he needs without affecting his kidneys.
Fresh food has many benefits, as vitamins and minerals are supplied from natural sources. One of the most important components of a healthy kidney diet is high-quality protein. At Cola’s Kitchen, we use no preservatives, artificial products, animal byproducts or “meals” from diseased livestock. Our tasty, fresh meals include things like human-grade salmon, veggies & fruits, which would provide healthy protein and omega oils that can help protect the kidneys.
Remember to always talk to your vet about food if your dog is sick to determine what his needs are.
Discover how to manage Cushing's disease in dogs through diet. Learn about causes, symptoms, treatment options, and the importance of nutrition in our comprehensive article.
Cushing's disease (sometimes referred to as Cushing's syndrome) usually occurs in middle-aged to older dogs. It is a condition in which the adrenal glands overproduce a hormone called cortisol. A normal amount of cortisol production helps the body deal with stress, but when overproduced, it weakens the immune system and can be life-threatening.
Pituitary-dependent and adrenal-dependent are the most common types of Cushing's disease. Most cases of Cushing's disease are Pituitary-dependent and are triggered by pituitary gland tumors. These tumors aren't necessarily malignant (in fact, many aren't), but they still cause the pituitary gland to produce an excess amount of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which in turn stimulates overproduction of cortisol.
Adrenal gland tumors can also cause Cushing's disease.
One of the main issues with Cushing's disease is that it causes an elevation of cortisol in the body. This, in turn, leads to an increase in triglycerides and cholesterol. Since cortisol is the hormone that controls stress, too much of it in the body can also lead to your dog suffering a number of mood-related symptoms. In humans suffering from Cushing's, mood swings and depression are common. In dogs, this might appear in the form of food aggression, lethargy or restlessness. Regardless of the cause behind the disease, dogs with Cushing's all experience similar symptoms, including less activity, drinking more, an increase in appetite, excessive panting and a need to urinate more frequently. Other common signs of Cushing's are lethargy and drowsiness, dull hair, and a pot-bellied appearance. Due to damaged skin and a weaker immune system, dogs with Cushing's often experience recurrent bladder or skin infections. Some dogs might appear depressed and suddenly not interested in play or other things they typically enjoy.
Cushing's disease is commonly classified as an "older dog's disease." Still, it can certainly happen in middle-aged dogs as well. Cushing's symptoms are often misdiagnosed or not recognized right away as symptoms appear slowly.
Adrenal tumors are usually treated with surgery. Although this is considered major surgery and carries some risks on its own, if the tumor is benign and removable, dogs can go back to living a healthy, normal life.
Both adrenal- and pituitary-dependent Cushing's disease can be treated and managed by medications like trilostane (brand name Vetoryl®) or mitotane (brand name Lysodren®). In the cases of smaller tumors, medication alone can control the disease symptoms, and dogs can live a long, relatively normal life. However, if the tumor continues to grow, it will affect the brain and might result in neurological signs. When medication can help stabilize your dog, changes in diet can also make things easier for your pooch. A proper diet not only helps while you're waiting for the drugs to take effect but also as part of the maintenance period.
The most common adverse reactions caused by Vetoryl treatment are loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, and lack of energy. As the medication can cause your dog to refuse food, switching to a more flavorful diet is an excellent idea. Fresh, customized food will provide better nutrition and ensure your dog gets all the nutrients needed for a healthy life.
Like any other disease or disorder, the right nutrition can help your dog's body deal better with Cushing's disease. Making some dietary changes can help improve your dog's overall health and energy levels. It also helps fight some of the potential side effects of Cushing's medication and helps your dog feel better and live longer. As a simple rule of thumb, the right nutrition for dogs with Cushing's disease is nutrition that helps their body counteract or at least discount the negative consequences of Cushing's disease. These include a weak immune system, damaged organs like skin, etc.
No matter what you're feeding (kibble, canned or fresh food,) the diet should be specifically customized based on your dog's real needs. And, at the very least, must meet the Association of American Feed Control Officials' (AAFCO) recommendations for adult maintenance. It's imperative that you don't feed your dog food that might provide too little or too many calories, protein or required minerals.
Basically, a dog with Cushing's disease will be better off with a well-balanced top-quality healthy food which:
Nutrition is a critical factor for a well-operating immune system. The availability and presence of many nutrients directly affect immune responses. Many nutrients are essential for developing, maintaining, and functioning of a healthy immune system. These include amino acids, vitamins like C, D, E, minerals like selenium, iron, zinc, and more. Furthermore, adding probiotics and the natural presence of prebiotics and phytogenics in the food improves the immune system.
The protein in the food you choose should be highly digestible. This can be tricky to select, especially if you're choosing dry kibble with a mix of proteins or a very long list of ingredients on the label. The higher the amount of usable (biologically available to your dog) amino acids in a protein, the more digestible it is.
The biological value of a protein source is not limited to its amino-acid composition and digestibility. Still, it can be used as an index for its nutritional quality. Biological value is determined by dividing the retained nitrogen (used for tissue formation) by the absorbed nitrogen from the protein sources, multiplied by 100 and expressed as a percentage of nitrogen utilized. Eggs have the perfect 100% biological value. For dogs with Cushing's, plant proteins and animal by-products might not be the best sources of proteins. They are harder to digest and will not provide as much nutrition as animal meat. Animal by-products are anything derived from the body of animals after slaughtering and processing that is different from the muscle meat. The unretained nitrogen of these protein sources must be excreted, which is also a demanding process for kidneys and the liver. Dogs with Cushing's disease should be eating food with a higher protein quality. A higher protein quality provides better nutrition and takes much of the burden off of their digestive system, liver, and kidneys.
While feeding a complete and well-balanced adult diet is enough to provide your dog with all essential nutrients, dogs with Cushing's can benefit from some additional supplements, including antioxidant therapy to lower fat in the blood. PetMD recommends a "combination of α-tocopherol, β-carotene, vitamin C, selenium and methionine." Fish oil is also well-known as a helpful supplement to lower triglycerides.
In addition, the food you're feeding your dog with Cushing's should be low in sodium and chloride to make sure blood pressure stays at a normal range.
Fresh, wholesome food made with human-grade ingredients can be wonderful for dogs with chronic conditions, but making your own can be tricky. You might end up with a mix where key ingredients may be missing or are fed in excess.
To ensure your dog is getting the best possible nutrition, why not reach out to the professionals. Cola's Kitchen offers individually balanced food based on your dog's nutritional needs. Hence, you never have to worry about your dog getting what they need.
Discover the magic of fresh dog food: perfect for any pup's unique needs, from age to breed. Say goodbye to mystery ingredients and hello to tasty, digestible meals that boost health and energy!
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If you've been wondering about all the buzz around fresh food diets for dogs, you're not alone. More and more pet owners are making the switch to fresh food as a way to feed their pups the best, most nutritious food available.
Before we tell you a bit about the many great benefits of a wholesome fresh diet, consider reading our article on What's Wrong with Kibble to better understand why commercial pet food isn't the best choice.
That being said, let's dive right in! Here is a quick breakdown of why fresh dog food is the best choice for your pet:
Fresh dog food has many benefits – after all, the better you eat, the healthier you are. And what can be better than wholesome food prepared with fresh ingredients full of nutrients?
Here are seven big reasons why switching to fresh food is a great decision:
No more trying to decipher confusing chemical names or tricky wording on pet food labels. When you're feeding fresh, there are no undesirable extras in your dog's food. You will be feeding wholesome ingredients without additives or artificial colors and flavors.
Plus, a customized fresh meal can exclude any specific ingredients that a dog with food allergies would need to avoid.
Did you know that even if the food label says that the product contains an ingredient, there may only be a teeny-tiny bit of that ingredient in the food? They do this just to get through the already questionable regulatory requirements. So always do the math yourself. Could 1 kg of "High Protein" or "Premium" food that claims only to contain high-quality turkey breast as a protein source cost a few dollars? Could it be that cheap? Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, chances are it is.
Good fresh dog food is made of high-quality fresh ingredients with high bioavailability.
Another serious issue with some commercial dog foods is chemical preservatives, which can be extremely harmful to your dog. Preservatives are added to dog food to slow down spoilage. Almost all NON-FRESH foods contain some form of preservatives. After all, that's how it can sit on the shelf for so long!
Antioxidants are used as preservatives because they slow down the oxidization process of fats and do not let them turn rancid. Preservatives and antioxidants can come from natural sources (such as vitamin E, C, etc.) or artificial sources. Natural sources can provide health benefits, but artificial preservatives like Ethoxyquin have a controversial reputation when it comes to safety.
Fresh food contains highly bioavailable nutrients that are easily absorbed and used by the body. On the other hand, the extrusion process involving harsh heat (temperature above 100 oC) is the most common type of processing used in kibble production. This process damages protein and heat-labile vitamins and amino acids and can also decrease palatability. The bioavailability of nutrients in processed commercial dog foods is significantly less than a fresh food.
Even the best-tasting kibble cannot compete with fresh food for dogs filled with natural flavors and smells. If you have a picky dog, switching to fresh food will likely end the daily battle of getting your pup to eat.
Another thing that you should not forget is the texture of fresh food compared with kibble. Which one do you think your dog prefers? And which one do you think actually supports a healthy gastrointestinal tract? I think the answer is very obvious; 100% fresh food.
Good nutrition is the core principle of prevention and health! Healthy food is key to improving and maintaining your dog's health.
There are hundreds of industrial food brands that are NOT a good source of nutrition and will not fully support your dog's health, despite what their labels may proclaim. Some of these foods might actually harm your dog over time. Remember, the negative impacts of improper nutrition on a dog's health are not seen right away. Still, they will eventually show up in various forms of disorders and diseases. If we want to make sure our dogs live a long healthy life, we should feed them top-quality, fresh, healthy food. Fresh food is chock full of all the right nutrients your dog needs to have more energy, a shinier coat, a lower risk for cancer and other serious health issues. It can also lead to fewer allergy symptoms. In a study conducted by Lippert and Sappy (2003), the data from 500 dogs from 1998 until 2002 have been evaluated. The study concludes that dogs fed with fresh food lived almost three years longer than those fed with commercial food. After all, nothing gives you a more direct path to a longer life than wholesome fresh nutrition!
A well-balanced fresh dog food can even help dogs with health issues like diabetes, bladder stone, pancreatitis, skin and coat diseases, etc. Please read our article "10 Most Common Diet-Related Disease in Dogs" if you want to know more about it.
Dogs are individuals and have different nutritional needs depending on their age, breed, gender, weight, physical activity, and reproduction status. Ideally, dogs should receive a specific daily food portion that caters to those needs. Unfortunately, commercial dog food producers use terms such as "Complete and Balanced" on their labels without considering dogs' individuality. Using these terms can be generally questioned. Especially since a basic chemical composition cannot address all dogs' needs. Commercial dog food producers do not consider that dogs are individuals. When it comes to their nutrition, they should be treated as such. They commonly formulate a basic recipe (a fixed food formulation for all dogs in a life stage) and recommend that the dog owners should feed their dog with a certain amount of the produced food based on their dog's weight. With this approach, they are actually ignoring other parameters like age, breed, gender, physical activity, reproduction status, etc., which determine the nutritional requirement of a dog.
The right fresh food considers your dog's individual needs and designs a food that reflects your dog's specific requirements. Individually balanced fresh dog food will address all of your dog's nutritional needs because it will consider:
A dog needs more than 30 essential nutrients to stay healthy and in good shape. Providing all these nutrients in the correct amount and balance can be very tricky.
You may ask why I shouldn't buy fresh ingredients from grocery stores separately, mix them and offer the mixture to my dog?
The fact is, diets prepared this way are very unlikely to be complete and well-balanced. The brutal truth is, unless a dog parent is an expert in animal nutrition, a homemade diet can be very difficult to get right. A dog needs more than 30 essential nutrients to stay healthy and in good shape. Providing all these nutrients in the correct amount and balance can be very tricky. That is why many experts believe that dogs are better off with some sort of kibble brand than prepared fresh food at home without supervision. They believe kibbles might be incomplete and not well-balanced, but at least they are more balanced than most unsupervised self-prepared fresh foods. For example, most diets prepared without expert supervision are not properly balanced to provide dogs with adequate levels and correct ratios of calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D. These nutrients are essential to a growing dog's development and bones and teeth maintenance at different life stages. Without the right amount and ratios of these nutrients
Cola's Kitchen is the first and only fresh dog food company that creates customized recipes tailored to your dog's individual needs. At Cola's Kitchen, we'll design and produce every dog's meal based on each dog's individual needs and any unique conditions that might apply. In doing so, we provide your dog all the required nutrients they need through a truly Complete, Well-Balanced and individualized recipe.
Our recipes are designed based on the profile our customers make for their dogs. Our AI's creates food that's formulated by Dr. Farshad Goodarzi Boroojeni. He is an animal nutritionist with two PhDs in Animal Nutrition and Poultry Science. His ongoing academic research has evolved around animal nutrition, feed/food processing, animal physiology and health, and gut microbiology. He has more than 25 publications in the best international peer-reviewed journals of the field and a regular speaker in various scientific seminars and conferences. Dr. Goodarzi is also currently a research associate at the Free University Berlin.
Transitioning to a Fresh Diet
The key to making the transition smooth and easy is to gradually move away from the old diet and introduce the new diet. While we understand you're excited about switching to fresh food as soon as possible, a gradual move can help prevent an upset stomach. We recommend switching over a 7-day period, as this gives your pup's gastrointestinal tract a chance to adapt.
For dogs with sensitive stomachs or gastrointestinal issues, a week might not be long enough for a smooth transition. This might also be the case for very young or senior dogs. To avoid tummy trouble, they might need a longer transition period of 2-3 weeks.
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If you're aiming for a week-long switch, you can use these general rules as a guideline:
Switching diets can sometimes be a little challenging on your dog's tummy, even when you're switching to healthier food. Most dogs do perfectly fine and experience no negative side effects, while some can have loose stools or upset tummies. This is perfectly normal, and it will resolve on its own after a few days, so no reason to be concerned.
Here are other things to look out for during the switch and what you can do about them:
In conclusion, if you have decided to change to fresh food, good on you! You quite possibly have bought more years with your dog, fewer vet visits, fewer bills to pay and a happier and healthier dog.
Decipher your dog's health through their poop: learn to read signs from color to consistency and see how a fresh, balanced diet can lead to healthier digestion.
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Every dog poops, sure. And just like every human has different toilet habits, so do dogs.
One thing we can all agree on, however, is that when your dog is healthy, poop is the last thing you probably think about. But when your pup’s health is suffering, a closer look will give you a lot of information about his condition and what you should do about it.
In fact, the color, consistency and even shape of your dog’s poop can answer a lot of questions if you know what to look for.
We’ve put together the ultimate guide to dog poop to help you answer any questions you might have (and some you probably didn’t even know you had!) about what’s normal and what isn’t.
Remember that changes to poop color, consistency and even shape are quite normal after a dietary change. As long as they don’t stick around for longer than a few days.
Healthy dog poop usually looks a uniform “chocolate” brown color. This means a medium-deep (or darkish) brown that’s always consistent. That means consistency in the poop itself (no specks or streaks of other colors or shades) and the number of times he goes to the bathroom.
This brown color is a sign of a healthy gastrointestinal tract with no liver or pancreas issues. A tiny speck of green or orange colors could be expected if you fed your dog some veggies. Raw veggies, in particular, aren’t always completely digested, so they can pass through in the stool. On the other hand, sudden changes to the general color of the poop could indicate a digestion issue. They could also indicate your dog has eaten something he shouldn’t have that might require a vet visit. As always, analyzing the circumstances of where the change comes from is good practice. For example changes in poop color is common after a diet change.
Green dog poop: Greenish stool can be the innocent indication of eating too much grass (which in turn sometimes indicates that your pup is having stomach or indigestion issues) or sometimes dental treats like Greenies. If you haven’t seen your pooch munching on anything green, though, then he might be experiencing absorption problems in the intestinal tract.
If bile is not used and reabsorbed properly because the gut is moving too fast, it might pass through in the poop, tinting it green. Some rat poisons also have a tint to them –usually green or blue-- so if you notice a greenish poop color accompanied by vomiting or other symptoms, you should rush to the emergency room.
Orange dog poop: Unless your dog has been munching on carrots, orange or dark yellow stools could be an indication of a problem with the pancreas or biliary disease. Because pancreatitis can be fatal if left untreated for too long, you should see your vet as soon as possible. If you notice yellow gummy-like streaks in the poop, you might be looking at mucus. Mucus is often an indication of gastric upset or an inflamed colon.
White or grey dog poop: Liver, pancreas and gallbladder problems often turn the stool a pale color, especially when enzymes aren’t being produced at a normal rate for the proper functioning of the organs. If your dog is on a raw diet, a chalky white color could be an indication of too much calcium in his food. Noticed white spots in your dog’s poop? This is often due to tapeworms, especially if the spots look like grains of rice.
Red dog poop: Red usually indicates blood, usually from the large intestine. This could be caused by many things – a tumor, trauma or an accident, inflammation or even worms.
Black dog poop: Black stools are often an indication of blood too. When the blood comes from higher up within the digestive tract, it’s partially digested by the time it exits the body and it will look black rather than red. This could be due to a problem in the stomach or the small intestine – and because anything from irritation to an ulcer to ingestion of a toxin could cause it, it’s best to see the vet as soon as possible.
Purple Poop Color: If your dog’s poop looks like purple(ish) gelatinous raspberry jelly, it’s time to seek emergency medical attention. This could be a sign of hemorrhagic gastroenteritis or HGE, which is fatal if untreated.
Next time you take out a plastic bag to scoop things up, take a second to notice the consistency of the poop. Healthy stools are moist and they retain their shape when you pick them up. If the poop is too watery or so dry that it will crumble when grabbed, this could be an indication that something’s amiss with your dog’s tummy. Any significant change in the consistency of your dog’s poop should be checked by your veterinarian.
For most vets, the consistency of your dog’s poop can be evaluated on a scale from 1 to 7: 1 is very solid and dry, 7 is very liquid diarrhea. The ideal consistency is between 2 and 4, depending on your dog’s diet. Too soft or sticky could mean there’s mucus or a coating, a clear sign of poor digestion. Too dry could indicate constipation, dehydration or slow intestinal movement.
If you have a dog who likes to eat things he’s not supposed to, you might notice foreign objects in his poop from time to time. Pieces of toys, paper or sticks passing through is always good, but it could also be a sign that additional material is still logged in the stomach or intestines.
Dogs obsessed with eating non-food items could be suffering from a condition called “pica.” While pica can have many causes, PetMD points out that it’s often caused by a nutritional deficiency – if your dog is not getting the nutrition he needs from his diet, he might resort to eating other things in the search for those nutrients. Switching to a fresh, well-balanced, individualized diet means your dog will get exactly the kind of food he needs to thrive. No more guessing to figure out if something’s missing from his diet.
Other potential things you could find in dog poop are fur (if your dog is self-grooming or licking himself excessively due to stress, itchy skin or allergies) or worms. 4 In both cases, talking to a vet is the first step to solve the problem. For example, to avoid excessive licking you might need to change your dog’s diet (if the licking is caused by allergies) or make changes at home to reduce stress. Worms can be easily treated with deworming medications, although severe cases might need treatment for several months to ensure both the adults and the eggs have been completely eliminated.
Let’s face it – your dog’s poo is never going to smell like flowers! But in general, dog poo should only have a mild odor. Pungent smells could indicate a gastrointestinal issue, poor diet or even an infection. Health issues such as irritable bowel syndrome can also change the smell of your dog’s stool.
A metallic smell could indicate the presence of digested blood, while foul-smelling stools could be a sign of a very serious disease such as Parvovirus or Distemper. Rancid-smelling stools (especially if your dog has diarrhea) are also a bad sign, according to Fairview Animal Hospital. They often indicate the presence of a Giardia infection. Giardia is very easy to catch -- Your dog can get sick by simply drinking water from a pond where the bacteria live.
It goes without saying that the size of your dog will affect the size of his poop. After all, you can’t expect a tiny Chihuahua and a Saint Bernard’s to produce similarly sized poops!
On the other hand, your dog’s poop should always be about the same size and proportional to the amount of food he’s eating. Suddenly seeing stools that are much smaller or larger than usual could be a sign of poor digestion or a blockage. Or your dog might be eating less because he’s not feeling great, even if it’s not very obvious to you. Even a tiny amount of food less here and there can add up to a significant amount of calories your dog is missing out on.
The same is true of frequency: some dogs poop once a day, some poop three times. There’s no right or wrong frequency, as long as it remains constant. But if you’re suddenly scooping a lot less or a lot more poo, this could indicate a digestion problem and a need to see the vet.
It’s worth mentioning that with diet changes potentially come changes in poop size and frequency as well. For example, most dogs moving from commercial kibble to fresh dog food experience changes in their poop. This is particularly a good sign as it’s an indication of better digestion in this context. Their poop stabilizes after about a week or so when they get used to their new fresh food.
When it comes to poo, the most important thing to keep in mind is that nothing has a more direct effect on it than diet. Healthy food promotes good digestion, especially if you’re picking well-balanced, fresh food that can improve the health of the gut.
If you’ve been feeding commercial food to your dog for a long time, switching to a fresh, wholesome diet can result in changes in the consistency, color or frequency of your dog’s poop. For some dogs, this means loose stools or even diarrhea. If you know your dog has a sensitive GI tract, try transitioning to the new diet slowly to give the body time to adjust. To learn more about how to properly transition your dog to a fresh diet please read our guide "7 Benefits of Fresh Dog Food + How To Transition."
Human studies show that eating wholesome foods can have a better effect on your health than eating just “ingredients.” This is known as “food synergy” -- all the nutrients in one single food interact with each other to provide your body with better nutrition. The same is true of what you feed your dogs. A diet made up of whole foods guarantees your pet will get all the necessary nutrients in their natural state rather than as chemical compounds added later on.
Plus, according to Dogs Naturally Magazine, naturally occurring food components are not only better absorbed but likely more effective too in keeping your dog healthy and strong. Well-balanced, whole diets work synergistically in the body, meaning that all nutrients work together, making it easier for the body to absorb and make use of those nutrients. When you choose a fresh diet, you’re getting all the nutrients right from their original source – and that will have a beneficial effect on your dog’s gut bacteria and, as a result, on his poop as well.
Uncover why dogs eat poop & how to stop it. Explore the role of diet in curbing this habit in our insightful article.
Why do dogs eat poop? As gross as poop eating might sound to humans, it's actually fairly common among dogs and especially in puppies. It even has a scientific name: coprophagia. Some dogs are only interested in the stool of other dogs. In contrast, others don't mind feasting on a rabbit, cat, and even horse poop if available.
If you've noticed your dog showing a little too much interest in this, it's time to start asking why. There's always a logical reason behind the behavior, but figuring it out is not always easy and might require some
educated guessing and careful observation of your dog's behavior and his environment.
While dog owners might not like talking about it, a 2018 study conducted by researchers from the University of California, Davis, found that:
While coprophagia is more common in multi-dog households and among females, it can appear in any dog regardless of sex, age, neuter status and how well trained they are.
Scientists aren't exactly sure what causes coprophagia – and it's likely not the same reason for every dog. Still, understanding the cause is key to fixing the problem. Unfortunately, the longer it goes on, the harder it will be to change the behavior.
Many experts believe poop eating is an evolutionary behavior. In the wild, canines eat their puppies' feces to hide smells that could potentially attract predators. It's very possible that puppies imitate the behavior, and some just never grow out of it.
Coprophagia can also be connected to environmental stress and anxiety in some dogs. For example, dogs isolated in small enclosures or living outside on their own are more likely to engage in this behavior, and so are dogs that previously spent time in crowded shelters. Imagine being forced to eat, sleep and go to the bathroom in the same tiny area. For some dogs, the stress of the situation forces them to "clean up" after themselves to create a healthier, more livable environment.
In multiple-dog households, a dog with coprophagia might eat the stools of a sick or elderly canine – this is actually a sign of loving his family and trying to protect the weaker members of the pack from predators.
For many dogs, poop eating could also be a sign of a health problem, from parasites to conditions that increase appetites, such as thyroid disease and diabetes.
Diets deficient in specific nutrients and malabsorption syndromes can also encourage a dog to eat poop in an attempt to obtain the missing nutrition. According to experts, this is often the case in dogs fed highly-processed commercial foods (especially kibble). Because kibble often robs the digestive system of essential digestive enzymes, some dogs might resort to eating feces in hopes of "rebuilding" their intestinal flora. However, dogs with digestive issues will only eat fresh feces in most cases. These contain more enzymes and are potentially more helpful in addressing their problem.
Let's face it: nobody wants kisses from a dog who engages in questionable eating practices. However, if your dog falls into that group, there are several ways you can get him to stop eating poop.
If your dog is still going through the housebreaking process, make sure you keep the living area clean. For example, ensure picking up any stools as soon as your dog goes to the bathroom (and keeping the litter box away from your dog's reach if you also have a cat).
Focusing on positive commands is also essential. For example, teach your dog to "leave it" and always reward him with a treat when he doesn't pick up the offending item from the ground. It's also very important to make sure you're not causing your dog anxiety about the process. For example, suppose you scold or yell at your dog for going to the bathroom in the wrong place. In that case, he might resort to eating the poop to "get rid of the evidence," and you'll be reinforcing the behavior you don't want.
Because dietary or digestive issues can also cause coprophagia, make sure to talk to your vet if you notice any health problems, including diarrhea, vomiting or weight loss.
Do you suspect diet is the culprit? It might be time to switch to something healthier, such as customized fresh food. Scientists suspect a prime reason for coprophagia is that dogs might be missing some nutrients in their diets and looking for them elsewhere. Enzyme or vitamin supplementation is an excellent place to start. Still, it would be best if you also looked closely at what you're feeding your dog and whether he's getting the proper nutrition.
If you switch to a clean, wholesome, fresh diet and you notice your dog slowly changing his poop-eating habits, chances are food was the culprit.
Fresh food specifically made for your pup ensures that all of their requirements are considered when their food is formulated and balanced. Often, this can help in stopping coprophagia.
Deciphering dog vomit colors: Understand what different vomit hues indicate about your dog's health and when it's time to consult a vet for further care.
Seeing your dog vomit can be a scary thing, especially if it seems to come out of nowhere. But the truth is that your canine companion can suffer from an upset stomach just like you do, and it’s often nothing serious that will disappear on its own.
Still, different colors of vomit can mean different things –some might require a diet change while others might mean it’s time to see the vet.
We’ve put together a dog vomit color guide to help you identify what could be happening.
Vomiting occurs when your dog brings back up food that’s already reached the stomach. But if you see your dog eating or drinking too fast and almost immediately after throwing up, he’s probably regurgitating.
Another option is coughing. When dogs cough, they might actually spit out phlegm or a yellowish liquid. Although coughing doesn’t always bring up fluid, some dogs might retch at the end of a cough and bring up white foam or clear liquid. This can sometimes be a sign of kennel cough, so it’s important to see your vet if your dog coughs several times a day.
One way to figure out if your dog is regurgitating or vomiting is to focus on what happened immediately before. Vomiting is usually preceded by abdominal retching and tensing of the abdominal muscles. Some dogs also seem to curve their backs upwards as a sign of nausea.
If you’re sure your dog is vomiting, the next step is to figure out what’s causing the upset tummy.
One of the most common reasons a dog vomits is gastroenteritis. This is caused when the stomach or intestines become inflamed. Gastroenteritis can happen if you change your dog’s diet suddenly, if your dog swallowed a foreign object, or if he ate something not great for him (like table scraps or greasy food). Dogs with gastroenteritis sometimes have diarrhea as well.
Other causes of vomiting include:
The vomit colour is one of the most telling signs and can often clearly tell you what’s going on.
Keep in mind that when your dog throws up most of what comes out is likely to be half-digested food. If possible, first inspect the vomit to make sure there are no foreign objects in it. Then look at the color.
White or Yellow Dog Vomit
White and yellow vomits are rarely mixed with food. Instead, they tend to be in the form of just liquid or foamy bile that often indicates an empty stomach or acid reflux. This type of vomit tends to resolve on its own, but keep an eye on your dog – if this happens regularly, it could be a sign of gut inflammation, and you might need to contact your vet.
Green Dog Vomit
When a dog vomit is greenish, he’s probably vomiting on an empty stomach. Just as with yellow vomit, it often indicates that your dog suffers from acid reflux. While not a dangerous condition, it can be very uncomfortable and sometimes painful, and your dog might need medication to help. Vomit can also look green if your dog has been snacking on grass, though you should notice pieces of grass in the vomit if this is the case.
Brown Dog Vomit
Brown dog vomit can be trickier to understand. If your dog’s kibble is a dark brown, the vomit colour could simply be regurgitated food from the esophagus – especially if the kibble is mostly digested when your dog throws up.
Coprophagia (the consumption of feces) can also cause brown vomiting and is more common than you might think among dogs.
There’s also a more serious reason for brown vomit in dogs: blood. When small traces of blood are present in vomit, they can sometimes look brown. To make sure it’s not blood, use white paper towels or a light cloth to clean up – if blood is present, you’ll notice the reddish color against the white of the cleaning materials.
Red Dog Vomit
As with brown vomit, red dog vomit can be caused by red food dye found in kibble or treats. If that’s not the case, then the most likely culprit is specks of blood in the dog’s vomit. While the amount of blood in brown vomit is usually small (which is why you don’t notice the blood right away), if the vomit is red in color, chances are the amount of blood is much larger.
Blood in vomit could be due to serious gastrointestinal issues and should be considered a medical emergency.
Black Dog Vomit
Black dog vomit is usually caused by digested blood. If your dog is throwing up digested blood, the vomit will have a granulated appearance, almost like used coffee grounds. This should always be considered a medical emergency, and your pup should see a vet ASAP.
Vomit is always a cause for concern, especially if it happens more than once during the course of a day. If you notice your dog looking particularly tired or if he has diarrhea, refuses to play or something feels off, contact your vet. Dark-colored vomit always merits a visit to the vet to find the underlying cause.
Other potential things you could find in dog poop are fur (if your dog is self-grooming or licking himself excessively due to stress, itchy skin or allergies) or worms. In both cases, talking to a vet is the first step to solve the problem. For example, to avoid excessive licking you might need to change your dog’s diet (if the licking is caused by allergies) or make changes at home to reduce stress. Worms can be easily treated with deworming medications, although severe cases might need treatment for several months to ensure both the adults and the eggs have been completely eliminated.
Debunking the Mercury Myth: Is feeding your dog salmon-based dog food safe? What are the potential hazards of salmon for dogs? Is your dog at risk of mercury poisoning? Find all the answers here.
We recently got asked this question. So we decided to clear the air...
TL;DR: The Mercury exposure from Salmon in most dog food is safe for daily consumption. The methylmercury amount in most dog foods containing fish is not significant enough to cause mercury poisoning or other complications.
"I heard that you shouldn't feed your dog Salmon more than once or twice a week."
"Feeding Salmon too often causes mercury poisoning."
"I'm worried about my dog getting mercury poisoning!"
These are common questions that people have been asking, and we thought it's best to clear the air. It is reasonable to be concerned about mercury poisoning when feeding your dog Salmon, especially since it is a common human diet topic. The short answer is: Salmon used in most properly balanced dog food will not cause mercury poisoning for your dog.
Mercury poisoning refers to toxicity caused by the consumption of mercury. The most common way of mercury exposure is from fish containing Methylmercury. Exposure to excess mercury is a health hazard to dogs and humans. It can cause a broad range of issues such as respiratory and gastrointestinal disease, kidney injury, impacted fetal development, and neurologic problems.
Scientists at the University of California, Davis, conducted a study to evaluate total mercury and methylmercury concentrations in commercially available salmon-containing and nonsalmon-containing canine diets and estimate the risk of chronic exposure in dogs fed these diets long term. The study was conducted on 24 diets. 12 diets contained some form of Salmon, and 12 did not have any form of Salmon. The results show that mercury was only detected in 3 of the 24 diets, 2 of which were from the non-salmon diets. The third diet with mercury was the only one containing Methylmercury.
"Total mercury and methylmercury were uncommonly identified in the commercially available canine diets sampled in this study and were found in concentrations unlikely to pose risk to healthy adult dogs"
Although mercury poisoning is rare, as demonstrated above, it's best to know the most common symptoms of it. Mercury poisoning can still occur in dogs if they consume something with high amounts of mercury in it, such as Tuna. According to AKC here are some common symptoms:
Now that we've cleared the air let's talk about the importance of eating a fresh diet in this context. One of the many benefits of fresh dog food is the significantly increased level of transparency. You can physically see most, if not all, of the ingredients that your dog will be eating, which is a BIG DEAL! This level of transparency does not exist in dry dog food. Kibbles are often made with low-quality ingredients, so much so that they have to be processed at high heat to kill bacteria and make it safe. To learn more about problems with kibbles, read our article on why you should not feed your dog kibbles.
With Cola's Kitchen's individually balanced fresh dog food, you will always know exactly what you are feeding your dog. We individually balance each recipe to meet the exact needs of your dog based on their profile. So you can always feel comfortable that they are eating a truly complete and balanced diet.
Cola's Kitchen's food is formulated under strict guidelines to meet or exceed the highest industry standards. While there is no risk for your dog eating our Salmon recipe daily, we highly suggest that they have variety in their diet and not eat the same recipe every day. We have 3 ingredient sets to choose from, and we always recommend for your dog to take all three if they don't have any restrictions.
Transform your dog's dental health with the right diet. Learn the causes of bad breath and how fresh food can help.
A staggering 80 percent of dogs are already showing signs of oral disease by the time they turn three years old, according to the American Veterinary Dental Society (AVDS). This means plaque accumulation, gum inflammation and yes, bad breath.
But bad dog breath isn’t just icky – left untreated, it can eventually become a serious problem that will affect your dog’s overall health and well-being.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to understanding stinky breath and how you can fight against it.
Figuring out the cause behind your dog’s bad breath is key to finding a proper solution. After all, bad breath is usually just an obvious symptom that something isn’t right in your pet’s mouth.
One of the most common causes of bad breath is poor diet. Feeding your dog foods high in sugars (refined carbohydrates) or fats can cause dental issues and lead to an increase in plaque and tartar formation – and so can feeding poor-quality kibble that doesn’t provide all the necessary nutrients.
A number of health conditions can also lead to bad breath in dogs. Metabolic diseases such as diabetes and kidney failure can cause the breath to smell sweet, sour or almost metallic -- depending on the underlying issue and what toxins or bacteria might be building up in the body.
By far, though, the most common cause of bad breath is periodontal disease, caused as plaque builds up on their teeth. Like in people, unless dogs’ teeth are regularly brushed, bacteria will accumulate and eventually lead to gum tissues’ inflammation (gingivitis).
As with everything, prevention is key! Get your pup used to brushing early on to prevent plaque accumulation. The AKC Health Foundation also recommends providing your dog with appropriate chew toys to act like natural teeth cleaners. Plus, chewing has the added benefit of preventing boredom – and since a bored dog is likely to get into trouble and potentially chew up your shoes or furniture, this is a very good thing.
Some fresh mint or a pinch of parsley added to drinking water or your dog’s meals can help fight bad breath too. Since they contain chlorophyll, these “garnishes” can also help control bacteria and provide an array of antioxidants that protect vision and can soothe an upset tummy.
Need something a bit stronger? Ask your vet for some doggie probiotics. They can help promote healthy bacterial balance in your dog’s gastrointestinal system, regulate bowel function, and improve your pup’s breath.
If your pup’s oral health is compromised, it might be time to see your vet. As plaque and tartar build-up and harden, they become impossible to remove except with a deep cleaning under general anesthesia. While this might sound scary, ignoring the problem can be much worse – bacteria can lead to tissue destruction, infections, and even kidney and heart problems.
Bad breath that smells “funny” also warrants a visit to the vet. For example, bad breath with a fruity smell could indicate diabetes, while a foul (rotten-like) smell could be a sign of liver disease.
Foul breath accompanied by loss of appetite, vomiting, lethargy or other symptoms requires a vet check-up as soon as possible, as it could indicate organ disease or failure.
Ultimately, one of the best things you can do to keep your dog’s teeth and gums healthy is to feed an optimal diet. A well-balanced, healthy diet can go a long way in positively affecting your dog’s dental health.
For years, the myth of “kibble is best” has impacted what pet owners feed their dogs. But many experts now believe a commercial pet food diet doesn’t do much for your dog’s oral health – and it might actually be detrimental for them. A 2003 Belgian study concluded that dogs fed a fresh food diet lived up to 32 months longer than those fed an industrial, commercial diet. The reason? Fresh diets offer better quality ingredients with no artificial or chemical treatments added during processing.
At Cola’s Kitchen, we believe in offering your dog the healthiest fresh food available. But we also know that every dog is different and the typical one-size-fits-all solution to feeding is not the answer.
Instead, we have created a program that offers 100 percent individually balanced human-grade fresh food for your dogs. Just answer a series of questions, and we will design an optimal diet individually balanced based on your dog’s unique needs. With a customized set of ingredients in place, not only will your dog get the best nutrition possible with every bite, but his breath will smell cleaner than ever.
Challenge the norm: Not all dog foods are equal! Learn why tailored nutrition matters and how commercial brands may not meet your dog's unique needs.
No matter what you’re feeding your dog, there are currently four main types of dog food available in North America and Europe. These are:
While all these food groups market themselves as completely nutritious and well-balanced, that’s not necessarily true. Dogs, like humans, are individuals, and the nutritional requirements of each one are different. As a result, dogs require specific diets based on their breed, gender, age, reproduction status, amount of activity and weight.
Most of the food groups above generally balance their food by adding nutritional supplements and synthetic food ingredients to their recipes. Not only is this practice unnecessary but it’s also wasteful (and sometimes even bad for dogs) if the original diet is truly balanced.
In addition, from a nutritional and quality point of view, most commercial dog food brands (in canned, semi-moist and dry form) are similar to human conserves, canned and fast foods. They contain harmful preservatives, they use low-quality ingredients, and they aren’t transparent when it comes to specific protein types used. They also practice harmful cooking methods such as extrusion, which uses high temperatures and can destroy nutrients.
Can we expect to stay healthy if we eat fast food every day? The answer is definitely NO. The same principle applies to our dogs. Of course, some dog food brands are better than others but in the end, they all share the same poor nutritional principles, which can take a toll on your dog’s health. We call this nutritional principle “bulk feeding”. More about “bulk feeding” later!
The type and quality of food ingredients in commercial dog food brands (canned, semi-moist and dry) are not generally what you expect. How can you find out more about the quality of the food you’re feeding your dog? Here is how:
1. Ask why.
Legally speaking, commercial dog food producers in North America and Europe are not obliged to reveal their food formulations or the percentage and quality grade of each ingredient used. The only information usually printed on labels includes:
- The name of the ingredients, often under general terms such as chicken or beef, but without specifying the type (breast, thigh, with skin or without, with or without bone, head, feet, etc.)
- The basic chemical composition, including crude protein, fiber, and energy, which basically does not tell you what you need to know (please read “7 things you must check in all dog food before purchasing” if you want to learn more about this).
2. Do the math.
If commercial dog food producers used human-grade food ingredients – or at least high-quality ingredients (such as lean beef, chicken breast, or fish fillet) – in their products, their price could not be as low as it is now.
“Complete and Balanced” is a common term found on the label of commercial dog food brands. The truth is that this claim is not always easy to prove and it’s too general to really mean much. After all, dogs are individuals and when it comes to their nutrition, they should be treated as such.
Of course, commercial dog food producers do not take this fact into consideration. They formulate and produce a basic diet recipe and recommend a feeding schedule based solely on the weight of the dog. With this approach, they are actually ignoring other parameters like age, breed, gender, physical activity, reproduction status (whether the dog is castrated, pregnant or lactating) – all of which affect the nutritional requirements of a dog.
So how can a food be “complete and balanced” when it’s not personalized for each individual dog? That’s a question you should definitely be asking.
The negative impact of poor nutrition on dogs’ health is not seen right away, but it will eventually show up in the form of disorders and diseases (please read “10 most common diet-related diseases in dogs” article). If we want to make sure our dogs live a long and healthy life, we should start thinking about feeding them human-grade, top-quality fresh food.
In a study conducted by Lippert and Sapy (2003), scientists evaluated data from 500 dogs between 1998 and 2002 and concluded that dogs fed a fresh food diet lived up to 32 months longer than those fed commercial dog food.
When it comes to feeding fresh, it’s all about the details. Most homemade diets are fresh but not complete and well-balanced.
This is because unless the dog parent is an expert in animal nutrition, a homemade diet can be very difficult to get right. A dog needs more than 30 essential nutrients to stay healthy and in good shape, and providing all these nutrients in the correct amount and balance can be very tricky.
As a result, many experts believe that dogs are better off with some kibble brands than eating fresh food prepared at home without a proper understanding of nutrition. Even though kibble might be incomplete and not well-balanced, at least it will provide a better balance of nutrients than most self-prepared foods.
As an example, most diets prepared without expert supervision are not properly balanced to provide dogs with adequate levels (not too little and not too much) and correct ratios of calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D. These nutrients are essential to a growing dog’s development, as well as for bones and teeth maintenance at different life stages. Without the right amount and ratios of these nutrients:
Though still not the best option, a better choice is fresh dog food producers. These are definitely better than kibble, canned, semi-moist and homemade fresh food. Their food is fresh (in contrast to commercial dog food) and better balanced than most self-prepared foods since it is produced with the same method of formulation and production/feeding principle that commercial dog food producers have been using for decades:
If we move past the marketing terms used, what other fresh food companies are offering at the moment is NOT truly customized dog food production. Like with commercial dog food producers, these food companies are offering one single food recipe that is generally balanced for all dogs and just recommend different amounts of this recipe based on the dog’s body weight.
It is scientifically and practically impossible to meet the nutritional requirements of every dog with one single recipe by just changing the feeding amount based on weight and a few other factors. Done this way, some dogs will simply get more nutrients than they actually need, while others will get too little. Too much dietary energy (calories), calcium or phosphorus can be just as problematic as getting too little.
The negative impact of poor nutrition on your dog’s health is not something you’ll see right away. Instead, it’s something that will build up over time and will eventually show up in the form of a disorder or health problem, such as obesity, bladder stone, diabetes, etc. (for more information, please read 10 most common diet-related diseases in dogs).
Don’t get us wrong! We’re still a huge advocate of fresh dog food producers and believe that what they are offering is significantly better than kibbles and other types of dog food.
Cola’s Kitchen is the first and only pet food company that creates individually balanced recipes tailored to your dog’s specific needs, at no extra cost. We do so in a way that provides your dog with all the required nutrients through a Complete and Well-Balanced All Natural Fresh Food. At Cola’s Kitchen, we’ll design and produce every dog’s meal based on the individual needs of each dog and any unique conditions that might apply.
Our recipes are designed based on the profile our customers make for their dogs. These choices then allow our AI system to formulate and individually balance recipes. The concentration of each ingredient in each recipe changes from one dog to another based on the individual characteristics of each dog and its unique requirements.
Our AI formulates each diet in a way that allows all the nutrients, including vitamins and minerals, to be supplied from natural sources. This means that, in contrast to other fresh food producers, we do not need to add synthetic vitamins or minerals to our food.
Transform your dog's health with the right diet! Our guide reveals the impact of food on canine health and obesity risks. Learn how to choose balanced, nutritious meals for a happier, healthier pup.
We are a nation of dog lovers and part of that love includes treating our dogs to what we think is great food. Because, after all, who doesn’t like a great yummy dinner?
The problem is that many people don’t really know what they’re feeding their beloved dogs. Too much food, the wrong kind of food, food that’s not properly balanced to help prevent disease and keep your pooch in optimal health. Some of us rely on commercial food to do the homework for us, others are feeding homemade or raw in hopes that it's healthy.
But without the proper knowledge of what your dog really needs, any type of food could lead to health issues and potential over or under-feeding.
According to VCA Hospitals, “obesity is the most common preventable disease in dogs.” Up to 30 percent of dogs are obese, which is more than the percentage of people who are obese in Canada (26.8%). The numbers are equally higher in the overweight category: 40-45% of dogs aged 5-11 years old are overweight while the Canadian humans fitting into that category reach 36.3%.
If you don’t find that telling enough, think about this: food-related illnesses and deaths are highly preventable. Because you’re in charge of your pup’s diet, it’s up to you to figure out the best foods for him to live longer, be healthier and be happier.
Canine obesity has become a major epidemic. The problem occurs after a chronic mismatch between the energy intake and energy requirements and it is characterized by increased energy retention, accumulation of fat and variable degrees of weight gain, from moderate to excessive. According to the AKC, over 50 percent of dogs are overweight or obese. But while other health issues would prompt most pet parents to head to the vet, obesity goes largely ignored. Interestingly, dog parents do not necessarily recognize overweight or obesity in their dogs. For many, it has actually become “normal” for dogs to be overweight. The APOP (Association for Pet Obesity Prevention) calls this the ‘fat pet gap’ or a “misalignment between what we think a dog should look like and what a healthy body composition should really be.”
Of course, obesity is usually the direct result of overfeeding, whether that means too much regular food or too many treats. That’s because even people who might be feeding the right amount of calories through food might not be accounting for the extra calories treats provide. Treats should not make up more than 10% of the calories in your dog’s diet – if you train regularly and need to use treats, you might need to adjust the amount of food you feed.
The problem of obesity is more obvious in older pets, however, considerable variations exist depending on breed, sex, individual endogenous and environmental factors. The level of body fat can vary extensively between breeds. As a rule of thumb, 10% overweight can be considered as beginning obesity, 20% are indicating the manifestation of severe obesity. Body fat concentrations, being 10-20% in normal-weight dogs can rise up to 40% in obese individuals.
Overfeeding can lead to serious issues, as overweight dogs are more likely to develop diabetes, arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. Plus, excess weight makes it difficult for dogs to move well, which means they’ll exercise less and when they do move, they’re more prone to injuries.
Experts point out that too much food might seem like an act of love, but it’s actually harming your dog. In fact, a recent study that followed more than 50,000 dogs for over 20 years, tracking their weight and health to see the impact of weight on dogs’ lifespan, proved just that. The results clearly showed that dogs that maintained a healthy weight range lived up to 2.5 years longer than those qualified as overweight.
Pet food labels allow assessment of the nutrient composition, however, the information given by the label may be misleading to consumers. The principles of labelling are regulated by the AAFCO in North America and European Regulation (EC) No 767/2009 in the EU. All nutrients have to be listed according to those legal requirements. The concentrations are always related to the feed “as is” or in other words to the “original” material. This makes a comparison of nutrient densities more difficult between different types of pet food. If a dry diet for dogs would be labelled to contain 15% of crude fat, and an alternative canned food would be labelled to contain 8% of crude fat, it is often not clear to consumers, that the latter diet has a higher fat concentration, related to its dry matter, compared to the dry diet. The level of fat in the dry matter of a wet diet can be calculated easily. Assuming that the labelled moisture content of the wet diet is 80%, the dry matter content of the diet would be calculated by 100% - 80% = 20%. The concentration of fat in the dry matter can be calculated by dividing the labelled fat concentration (as is) by the dry matter content and multiplication by the factor 100:
This example shows how often you can be misled about this essential basic information about the nutrient profiles of the diet which you use.
Another factor that you would have to consider is “the amount of nutrients your dog gets per day”. For instance, when you feed your dog with 105 g/day of a kibble product with 90% dry matter and 15% crude fat (as is) the amount of fat he receives per day is 15.78 g:
You’re not sure if you’re overfeeding your dog? Figuring that out based on weight alone can be tricky, especially for mixed dogs where you don’t have an average weight for the breed to rely on.
A simple check is to look at your dog from above. If you see an hourglass shape, chances are your dog is the right weight. Using your hands, you should also be able to easily feel their ribs and spine. You can also use the dry matter calculator from Omni to calculate the dry matter accurately.
If your dog doesn’t seem overweight, you might think all’s good with what you’re feeding, but this isn’t necessarily the truth. Sometimes the pounds pack on slowly so you might not notice the weight gain, especially on large dogs. But even if your dog isn’t necessarily getting chubbier, overnutrition can also lead to other health problems.
Bowel Issues: Abdominal discomfort, gas, and loose stools can all be connected to eating too much. The digestive system simply cannot work effectively if it’s constantly being overworked.
Skin Problems: Persistent shedding isn’t normal in most dogs and it could indicate a problem with nutrition. The same is true of constant itchiness. In the absence of parasites like fleas, a dog who’s always scratching probably has an underlying condition causing it – and those conditions are often connected to nutrition. Some dogs might be allergic to some of the ingredients in the food you’re feeding, while others might not be getting the right nutrients or even eating too much. Certain nutrients negatively interact with one another and have detrimental effects on the bioavailability of each other. For instance, besides the fact that excessive amounts of calcium or phosphorus can negatively affect absorption and utilization of each other, the antagonistic effects of calcium are also detrimental for iron, manganese, copper and especially zinc. Indeed, the iron, zinc, manganese and copper requirements of a dog increase when he receives a meal containing high levels of calcium. Zinc, iron, manganese, copper and selenium are essential trace elements. In dogs, the role of zinc in skin health has been well documented. Like zinc, copper and selenium are particularly important for the skin, hair, immune system and reproduction. Given the known negative interactions between certain nutrients which affect their bioavailability, all the nutrients in the final food mixture must be provided in a proper manner, with the right proportions and ratios. These include but are not limited to:
Joint Problems: Overweight dogs often experience pain and discomfort in their joints. In fact, according to VCA Hospitals, “being overweight and obese set the stage for increased risk of joint damage and subsequent osteoarthritis (OA), leading to chronic pain.” And if you thought OA was just about age, you’d be wrong – at least 20% of all dogs show evidence of OA, including younger dogs. The constant wear and tear caused by excess weight traumatizes the joints over time and leads to inflammation and pain, which in turn leads to arthritis. This is often worse on dogs that are fed a poor-quality diet lacking in Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids.
Lethargy and Tiredness: Being overweight takes a toll on your body and the same is true for our canine friends. But even overfed dogs that aren’t overweight can also feel tired and not up for running and playing around. This could be because they feel too full to move too much or because their joints or tummy might be in pain. Changes in behavior and energy levels should always be discussed with a veterinarian, as they could also be signs of a number of underlying health issues.
Underfeeding your dog on purpose is a form of animal abuse. In fact, the Humane Society considers underfeeding “intentional cruelty” – just as bad as depriving your dog of water, shelter or veterinary care.
While we don’t expect our readers to intentionally deprive their dogs of food, you might be surprised to know that you could be accidentally underfeeding your dog. In fact, this is more common than you might think in multiple-dog households unless you’re closely watching your dogs when they’re eating. For example, a weaker or smaller dog might get bullied by other dogs and have food stolen from him. Or if you free-feed, the bigger dogs might get to eat most of it, leaving little for the other dogs.
You might also be under-feeding by accident if you’re not measuring the amount properly. For example, if you’re just guessing the amount or using a cup (and probably not the same one) every day to feed. When in doubt, a proper measuring tool is a key to getting the proportions just right.
Underfeeding can also happen when using commercial dog foods because the feeding guide listed on the package is normally a wide general range and doesn’t take into consideration your dog’s lifestyle and personal needs. For example, active and working dog breeds might not get enough nutrition from a standard feed. Not only do they need an adjustment in the nutrients they consume, but they might also need to be fed just a little bit more than what the charts recommend.
Underfeeding or feeding poor quality food that’s not meeting your dog’s nutritional needs could also lead to malnutrition. While the most common sign of underfeeding is weight loss, dogs that aren’t getting proper nutrition can also show other signs of malnutrition, including:
Still unsure if you’re feeding too much or too little? This body condition score chart can help you better understand how well your dog is doing and whether you need to adjust his food intake.
You already know that poor nutrition can exist regardless of whether you’re overfeeding or underfeeding. You also know that obesity is connected to a number of health issues and so is not feeding enough nutrients.
But poor nutrition can also lead to reduced immunity. When your dog’s body doesn’t get the nutrition it needs, it becomes more vulnerable to infection, allergies and problems with healing. This is even worse if your dog already has a food allergy, as this can take a toll on the immune system and trigger worse issues, including environmental allergies.
An even scarier consequence of poor feeding is pancreatitis. This is a serious inflammation of the pancreas and can be life-threatening. Pancreatitis inflammation can be triggered by high-fat foods, obesity, food allergies and some toxins, a high-fat diet being the most common one. It means that it’s not only commercial food that can lead to this problem. Overfeeding a homemade diet can be just as damaging if you’re feeding too much or feeding the wrong combination of ingredients. If you’re going to walk away from commercial food (and you should!), you need a well-balanced diet to ensure proper nutrition but also to make sure the calorie count and fat content are just right.
Calcium and phosphorous are the "bricks" (the building foundation) of the bones. Nutritional imbalances, particularly deficiencies or imbalances of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D in your dog's diet, can lead to bone disorders. These, in turn, cause serious and permanent problems, especially in young dogs.
Both overfeeding and under-feeding your dog can lead to a whole host of health issues. Combine that with a poor-quality diet and you can end up with a dog that seems to be eating well but it’s still not in great condition.
To prevent long-lasting problems, you should feed your dogs a high-quality, wholesome diet that’s free from preservatives and additives.
Unfortunately, just because a commercial dog food is labelled as “complete and balanced” doesn’t mean your dog is receiving optimal nutrition. Experts agree that ingredients such as corn, wheat, soy, additives and preservatives, salt and “meat” (without specifying which kind) provide questionable nutrition and are often only used as ingredients because they’re cheap.
Learning to read ingredient labels on dog foods is a great first step, but that still doesn’t guarantee that what you’re buying is the best option for your dog since there’s no personalization. A two-year-old dog who likes to run around needs a very different combination of nutrients than a seven-year-old who rather naps in the sun.
Looking at the feeding chart on commercial dog food containers doesn’t tell you much. Their one-size-fits-all chart doesn’t account for a dog’s particular needs, so you can never really tell if you’re feeding what your dog really needs.
In addition, for a diet to be healthy, it needs to be not only the right amount but also well-balanced and appropriate for the age, breed, weight, activity, biological and health status of your dog. An athletic dog shouldn’t eat the same as a dog who’s happier lounging on the sofa -- no matter if they’re the same breed, age and weight.
Feeding an individually balanced diet doesn’t have to be complicated. Take a 5-minute quiz and Cola's Kitchen will build the right diet to help your pup thrive.
Does your dog have allergies or special needs? We’ll account for that too when designing the right combination of ingredients and nutrients. We’ll even account for extra activity, age and other variants that affect how much and what your dog needs. In short, we offer completely balanced daily meals delivered right to your door so you never have to do any guesswork when it comes to feeding your pooch right.
Navigate the link between diet and dog health. Address obesity, bone disorders, pancreatitis, diabetes, and more through tailored nutrition.
The relationship between diet and disease is more significant than you can imagine. In fact, your dog's health depends greatly on what you feed them.
Here are 10 common health problems that are directly caused or affected by diet.
Obesity is probably the most commonly seen nutritional disorder in companion animals. Obese dogs are more likely to suffer from degenerative diseases and have a shorter life expectancy.
The problem occurs when there's a chronic mismatch between energy intake and energy requirements. This means your dog is consuming more calories than they need and can use regularly. Over some time, this can result in weight and fat gain.
Most of the time, parents do not necessarily recognize that their pets are overweight or obese until the problem is severe. Older pets are more likely to suffer from obesity problems. Still, weight issues can affect all dogs regardless of their breed and sex. As a rule of thumb, a dog that's 10% over his ideal body weight can be considered at the beginning stages of obesity, while those 20% over their ideal weight are already suffering from significant obesity.
Body fat levels can vary extensively between breeds. Dogs at a normal weight usually have body fat concentrations around 10-20%, but this number can reach up to 40% in obese individuals. This increased body fat concentration can negatively affect mobility, organ function, body biochemistry and life expectancy. Pet obesity has received some public attention in the last few years and is now recognized as a severe animal welfare issue in many countries.
The most common treatment for pet obesity is switching to a low-fat, high-fiber diet lower in calories. To achieve even better results, it's important to incorporate enough physical activity – and sometimes physiotherapy – into the mix as well. As a rule of thumb, energy allowances should be adjusted to 60% of the maintenance requirements at the target weight. Vets recommend aiming for a weight loss of around 1% per week.
Many commercial dog food brands available (canned, semi-moist and dry) are similar to humans’ fast foods. You can reduce the risk of obesity in your dog drastically by feeding him the right food. The best way is feeding fresh food that has been individually balanced for your dog.
Calcium and phosphorous are the "bricks" (the building foundation) of the bones. Nutritional imbalances, particularly deficiencies or imbalances of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D in your dog's diet, can lead to bone disorders. These, in turn, cause serious and permanent problems, especially in young dogs.
If you want your dog to develop and maintain strong and healthy bones and teeth, a well-balanced diet is vital. Your dog's diet must be carefully balanced to provide both adequate levels and a proper ratio of calcium to phosphorus. For example, feeding adequate calcium without the correct amount of phosphorous can prevent sufficient calcium absorption and utilization.
On the other hand, you cannot just add massive amounts of calcium and phosphorus to your dog's food and hope you are providing the right amount. Your dog needs balanced nutrition and not a mountain of nutrients. Too much of a good thing can be just as bad as providing too little – and here is why:
Bladder stones appear when certain minerals concentrate and then crystallize in the dog's urinary bladder.
What your dog eats can play an important role in both the prevention and treatment of bladder stones. A well-balanced diet with the right proportions of macro and micro minerals can help, while an imbalance or excess of certain minerals in the diet can cause bladder stones. Even diets with calcium deficiency have been known to cause bladder stones.
The pancreas is an organ located in the abdomen, next to the stomach. It plays a vital role in food digestion and converting it into fuel.
The most common health problem associated with the pancreas is pancreatitis - an inflammation that can be triggered by high-fat foods, obesity, food allergies and some toxins. Pancreatitis symptoms can vary from mild to very serious and often start suddenly. Vomiting is one of the most common symptoms. Once a dog develops pancreatitis, early intervention is critical to prevent complications.
After visiting a vet, the next most crucial thing you can do is adjust your dog's nutrition. You'll need to switch to a low-fat diet and make sure you feed your dog frequent small portions rather than a couple of big ones a day. This makes digestion easier and puts less of a burden on the pancreas. Some dogs must eat a low-fat diet for their entire life after developing pancreatitis, while others can return to a regular diet once the inflammation has subsided.
Like with obesity, you can reduce the risk of pancreatitis by feeding your dog a healthy, well-balanced diet right from the very beginning – and the best way to do this is by choosing a fresh and balanced diet.
Diabetes is a metabolic disorder characterized by blood sugar that remains high over a prolonged period. Many factors can increase the risk of diabetes in your dog, but the most common causes are obesity and chronic pancreatitis. Diabetes in dogs cannot be completely cured, but it can be managed very successfully with the right nutrition. This includes feeding high-quality protein and adjusting the amount of fiber and carbohydrate content (to slow down glucose absorption) in the diet.
Colitis is a digestive disease characterized by inflammation of the colon. Colitis can be caused by different factors like stress and allergic reactions and infections by pathogens like Salmonella, E. Coli and Clostridium, and parasites like whipworms, Giardia and Cryptosporidium.
The appropriate treatment for colitis depends on its cause and can include anti-inflammatory medication or antimicrobial and immunosuppressive drugs). However, nutritional strategies like fasting for 24 to 48 hours, adjusting the diet's fiber content, feeding hypoallergenic food, and adding prebiotics and probiotics to the diet can significantly help.
The skin is the largest organ in your dog's body and is metabolically active. The skin protects your dog's body from physical and infectious attacks from the outside. It also serves as a reservoir for certain nutrients and helps control body temperature.
The health of your dog's skin and coat can be affected by a variety of nutrients, including protein, essential fatty acids, vitamins A and E, and minerals like zinc. Basically, you will always harvest what you plant –if you're feeding your dog a poor diet lacking in these nutrients, he might end up with skin problems.
The good news is that this doesn't usually happen overnight (unless there is a severe allergy to something). However, if you notice skin problems, it's time to pay attention to what you're feeding your dog so you can make the necessary changes. Most dogs with skin problems respond well once you adjust their diet, even if the problem's cause is not nutritional.
A food allergy is a reaction of your dog's immune system to a particular allergen in the diet. Like humans, dogs might have or even develop allergic reactions to certain food ingredients. The immune system of a dog with allergy produces substances known as antibodies. These antibodies identify a particular allergen in the food as harmful, even though it is usually not.
When a dog with allergies comes into contact with the allergen, the immune system's reaction can cause inflammation in the skin, sinuses, airways or digestive system. This, in turn, can lead to itching, sneezing, and other issues.
Before a food allergy can be treated, it's necessary to identify the food ingredient(s) triggering it and eliminate it.
One of the best ways to test for food allergies is by performing an elimination diet trial using a hypoallergenic diet. The trial should be conducted for at least 8 weeks but can be extended to 13 weeks. This is a slow but effective method that allows dog parents to pinpoint exactly what ingredients their dogs are allergic to.
The immune system is basically the defence system of your dog – it protects him from outside threats such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, free radicals and toxins. To protect your dog well, the immune system needs to operate at maximum capacity.
Nutrition is a critical factor for a well-operating immune system since the availability and presence of many nutrients impact the immune response. Many nutrients have been identified as essential for the development, maintenance and function of the immune system, including amino acids, vitamins like C, D, E, minerals like selenium, iron, zinc, and more.
Since the gut immune system contains a major part of the body's immune system, any strategy that greatly improves the gut microbiome will benefit your dog.
Added probiotics (live microorganisms that improve or restore the gut flora), as well as the natural presence of prebiotics (compounds that induce the growth or activity of beneficial microorganisms) in your dog's food, improve the immune system by improving the health of the gut.
Diarrhea can be one of the earlier signs of some of the disorders and diseases we just mentioned. Other factors -- such as bacterial or viral infections, intestinal parasites, a sudden change in diet, environmental stress (such as travelling), and eating irritating materials (including garbage, toxins and chemicals) – can also cause diarrhea. If your dog has diarrhea, it is imperative to monitor the symptoms closely and treat it right away. It would help if you also encouraged your dog to drink lots of water to stay hydrated.
Keep an eye on how long diarrhea persists and whether other symptoms present, such as vomiting or lethargy. If your dog seems weak or is not improving, you might need to see a vet. Also, if your dog experiences diarrhea regularly, this could indicate a chronic problem that requires medical care.
You can help prevent diarrhea by minimizing stress in your dog's life and watching what he eats. Feeding your dog a healthy, well-balanced diet specifically tailored to his individual needs can improve the gut microbiome and strengthen the immune system. This can reduce the risk of diarrhea and many other common digestive disorders.
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