What Every Dog Parent Should Know About Supporting Their Dog’s Health Naturally

What Every Dog Parent Should Know About Supporting Their Dog’s Health Naturally

“If you don’t have your health, you’ve got nothing.” This saying rings true for everyone - pooches included. Our canine companions depend entirely on us to nurture their health and well-being. And what better way to keep them thriving than with the power of Mother Nature?

The more you know about pure, holistic dog health practices and remedies, the easier it’ll be to support your dog’s health naturally. We’ll touch on natural health approaches, natural dog supplements and their roles, and more.

What Does “Natural” Mean in Pet Care and Ownership?

When you hear the word “natural” in relation to dog care, what does it mean to you? The definition differs based on who you ask. But it typically refers to caring for your dog in a way that emphasizes elements that can be found in nature - natural foods, remedies, etc.

Dog owners may enrich their dog’s diet with natural ingredients, take them on frequent walks to explore nature, supplement with a dog probiotic powder, or detox their system. In addition to that, “natural” means reducing or avoiding man-made, synthetic, or chemical-laden pet products.

Why Natural Health Approaches Matter for Dogs’ Health

Why go natural as a dog owner? Because the benefits for your dog are nothing short of fantastic. When you proactively choose the natural route and consider professional guidance as needed, your dog may experience:

  • Stronger connection to nature. In leaning on all things natural, you welcome your dog to rely more on their instinctual side. The result? More deeply grounded interactions with nature.
  • Better physical health. Natural pet care revolves around feeding your pup a healthy diet with whole food and supplementing as necessary. Consuming such a diet allows your dog to absorb more nutrients, which can lead to better physical health.
  • More complete care. Often, natural remedies for dogs go beyond surface symptoms and consider the whole canine. Maybe the reason your dog isn’t thriving lies in high stress levels or a poor diet, for example. You’re likely to uncover the root cause when you take a natural route rather than a conventional one based on isolated symptoms.

In addition to the above, there’s the glaring issue with synthetic, highly-processed, chemical-laden food and care products in the pet industry. Just like in the human food manufacturing industry, some pet food makers cut corners and use less-than-healthy ingredients to extend their products’ shelf life or achieve other goals. Prioritizing natural ingredients and shopping consciously are great ways to shield your pet from the risks of consuming potentially harmful contaminants.

Forming a Good Foundation for Dog Health

To successfully reach your natural dog health goals, it’s essential to build a solid foundation of health and wellness. We’ll cover that here.

Nutrition

Good natural dog care starts internally, with nutrition. If you’re looking for natural dog foods, scan the packaging for keywords like "natural” and “organic.” These terms don’t automatically mean that every ingredient in a food product is natural, but they’re a good place to start.

Then, scrutinize the ingredient list to see what’s actually in the food. Dry and wet dog food varieties may be almost completely natural, but the bulk of them contain synthetic vitamins and minerals your pup needs for a balanced diet. Others have additives known to be dangerous to dogs.

The only way to avoid these additives is to feed your dog a whole food diet. And it isn’t as easy as throwing a couple of apples, eggs, green beans, or pumpkin slices into their food bowl. You’ll need to contact a veterinarian or dog nutritionist for advice and a meal plan. If your dog becomes deficient in certain nutrients like taurine, calcium, or folic acid, they could develop ailments and diseases like bone issues, heart failure, or even death.

Note: Just because something is deemed natural doesn’t mean that it’s 100% natural or safe for your dog. Every dog is different and has unique nutritional needs. Talk to a professional so you can give your dog what they need at each life stage.

Nature-Based Movement and Exercise

Getting out in nature is a huge part of supporting your dog’s health naturally. Most people will let their dogs outside so they can “do their business.” But you can take things further. By purposely exposing your pup to nature, you’ll not only deepen your bond but open the door to benefits like:

  • A healthier body weight and stronger muscles and bones.
  • Improved heart health.
  • An immune system boost.
  • Reduced anxiety and stress.
  • A more fulfilling life for your pooch.

There are tons of ways to get out into nature with your dog; here are a few:

  • Take an extended walk through your neighborhood.
  • Go to the park and play fetch or frisbee.
  • Take a hike and enjoy some natural scenery.

Emotional Well-Being

Your dog’s emotional well-being is critical. It directly affects their physical health, energy levels, and behavior. Here are some ways to support it naturally:

  • Expose your dog to novel environments with new sounds, sights, people, and other animals to promote healthy socialization. 
  • Ensure your schedule is as predictable as possible for your dog. Keep meals, playtime, and exercise times consistent to reduce stress.
  • Groom your dog now and again to foster feelings of closeness and security between you two.
  • Pull out doggy-specific games and set up activities to keep your pup’s mind active and stimulated.

Toxin Reduction

Yes, dogs have internal mechanisms to flush out toxins - sweating, exhaling, and going to the bathroom are a few. But there may be times when they need a boost (when experiencing lethargy, skin problems, digestive problems, etc.). So long as emergency detoxification isn’t necessary, you can help out via natural means:

  • Always ensure that your dog is drinking enough water for their size (60-80 ml of water per kg) - spring water is best.
  • Provide your dog with a healthy, balanced diet free of pesticides, preservatives, sugars, and fillers. Add natural ingredients where possible and consider switching to a fully natural diet.
  • Encourage your dog to be active. It’s great for the gut, prompting toxins to move their way through the digestive system.

Natural Supplements and Their Role in Dog Care

When leveraged responsibly, natural supplements for dogs can give your pooch a leg up in the health department. There are loads of dog supplements, each with benefits that could change your dog’s life. Here are a few:

Why Use Natural Supplements for Dogs?

Dog owners all over are considering natural dog supplements but are unsure whether they should try them. Here are a few good reasons to add these supplements to your dog’s diet:

  1. Fill Nutritional Gaps. Even the most popular commercial dog foods may have nutritional gaps. These gaps leave your dog vulnerable to negative health outcomes. To ensure that all the basic nutritional bases are covered, you can add a vitamin supplement to your dog’s food.
  2. Support Specific Health Concerns. Sometimes, as your dog ages, they develop achy joints and have trouble getting around. And other times, they might develop tummy issues, bite at their skin, act restless, lose their hair, or exhibit signs of other problems. Ingredients like omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, and probiotics help to tackle common health issues dogs experience. In selecting the right supplements for your pup, you can give your dog the extra support they need to live their best life.
  3. Support Health from the Beginning. Some dog owners put their new puppy on supplements for immune system support to give them the best possible start. It’s best to do so under the supervision of a vet.

How to Choose Quality Natural Supplements

The only way to find the best dog supplements in Australia is to conduct some research. Get familiar with the best supplement brands, look at the ingredients on the package, and consider the unique problems you want to solve for your dog. Top-of-the-line supplements have fantastic reviews, contain natural, proven ingredients, and are certified by local, national, and international quality organizations. We explore this topic in depth in our How to Choose the Right Dog Supplement article.

Final Thoughts: A Long-Term Mindset

To adequately support Fido’s long-term health, we urge you to look at their natural health journey as a long-term trek. In time, and with well-placed focus and effort, your dog will thrive for years to come. Just remember that every dog is different and needs tailored care, so it’s best to monitor your dog and adjust accordingly. We hope you found the information you were looking for, and we wish you the best as you set your furry friend up for a happier, healthier life.