Earlier this week, I attended a seminar in human Digestive issues at the local natural health practice, The Herbal Dispensary.  The naturopath made the point to say that everyone has a unique digestive system and so what works for one person, may not work for another.

Bingo!

I’m tired of seeing posts from Dog owners on Facebook asking what they should feed their dog.  And then dozens of answers, few which agree, and typically from no one who is a professional in the field.

There are many considerations when choosing a dog’s diet.  It is why I use a TCM food therapy approach, augmented by tests like Nutriscan.  These tools help to determine food ingredients that match the dog.  Considerations into format, such as commercial dry kibble or raw, come later.  And then the new diet needs to be trialed to ensure it is a good match.

Dogs are individuals in all aspects of their life, not just diets.

This week alone I’ve dealt with a paraplegic dog who needs help and a new wheelchair, an older dog with intermittent lameness, a year-old puppy who just needs to slow down and relax, a dog with irritable bowel disease, and a dog who is anxious and reactive.

My approach is different with each of these dogs because the dogs are different.

Celebrate your dog’s uniqueness and address their health as a special journey!

Kathleen Crisley, specialist in dog massage, rehabilitation and nutrition/food therapy, The Balanced Dog, Christchurch, New Zealand