38 - North Shere News — Sunday, April 9, 2000 Consid canine connection THE North Shore is becom- ing a leader in humane animal care as more people learn about and begin to follow the route of natural care for their canine companions. This includes kinder methods of teaching our dogs, ways to exercise them such as getting involved in nose work, and now feeding them. Pet food companies have alse ree- ognized an increase of interest with regards to healthier food alternatives and are become more knowledgeable with respect to the nutritional needs of dogs. They are now producing better quality dry and canned foods and making, them available to health conscious dog owners. The Natural Plus pet supply store (983-2706) offers a large selection of healthy food choices including information on nat- ural diets for dogs. A leader in the promotion of a natural diet for dogs is The Healthy Hound in West Vancouver. Helen, the owner, is passionate in her beliefs with a plethora of information. Her own dogs and many of her cus- tomer’s dogs are living testaments to the improvements of a dog’s over-all health when placed on a natural diet. Dogs on natural diets are reported as having a healthier coat and weight, reductions in allergies, eye /ear ail- ments and arthritis, increased energy and more. Dogs really love it, includ- ing the finicky eaters. The premise behind a natural diet is to feed a dog in a way which mim- er a naturat ics the cating habits ofa dog in the wild. [tis true that dogs have been domesticated for thousands of vears and although their ounward appea ance suggests otherwise, their internal s have not changed trom those of their wild ancestors Feeding a dog a processed kibble and canned dict became popular within the fast hundred years. Retore that, degs were ted naturally. This means they received micat, vegetables and some grains. A true natural diet means feeding everything rw, inelud- ing the meat. dog's digestive track is highly acidic and because of its design, (that of'a carnivore) is capable of digesting raw meat protein and any bacteni that may have been ingested, In the wild, wolves gorge themselves on chunks of meat as well as the intesti- nal matter of a kill. “They also forage for the occasional berry and ¢ This doesn’t mean chat one should begin giving a dog a steak and potato for dinner every night. And feeding a dog naturally is a lor more hands-on than tossing a cup of kibble in a bowl, A natural diet needs to be balanced with proper considerations given to the ratio of meat to veggies to grains. Considerations rust be given to supplementation of appropriate amounts of caicium, vitamins and minerals. A natural diet should be thoroughly researched before it is tried, because dogs can suffer from nutrition deficiencies, just like humans, if there is an improper bal- ance of foods. Choosing to feed a dog a natural dict is a commitment. Giving it a try once in a while, is not recommended as it can throw off the balance of digestion. If you are considering a homemade natural diet for your dog, there are many things to learn before embarking on this route. Those inter- ested in this method of feeding should read as much information as they can on the subject. Some good [1B oc oveer a PETS books are Give Your Dog a Bane, by lan Billinghurst, The Ultimate Diet, by Kvowthy Schultze: and Natural Dag Cars, by Celeste Yarnell. Also, speak to people who feed their dogs a natural dict to pet positive feedback ind further direction. If ail of the mixing and chopping is not vour style, there are reputable businesses which have done all the hard work and have complete meals conveniently prepared. y have put diet for ye together a well researched and bal- anced ready to go meal for dogs. All vou have to do is pour and serve. As well as The Healthy Hound (923- 3647), there is Koko'’s Gourmet Pet Foods (980-5224). ally, a few veterinarians are beginning to recognize the benetits ofa natural diet, while some are opposed. That is understandable because if the diet is nor done cor- a dog can suffer nuitionall Family reunion ur dog That is why it is extremely impor- rant to educate oneself thoroughly before embarking on this diet regime. Once that happens, and you are com- mitted, your dog will be healthier and happier for it. — Joan is dhe owner of Sierra K9 at . Comments in the farm of letters ta the editor ave wel- come. IN February of 1985, a litter of 10 Lab-cross puppies was born. Every year, the dogs meet for a birthday party and reunion. This year, the five still living — including Tandy and Tiffany (above) with Judy Taylor — had themselves a great time down at Ambleside Park. Phoenix Edmonton hot necessarlly. - In placement oréar.. New Jersey - Washington