Using Nutrition to Help Cure Common Problems Like Itchy Skin and Gunky Ears.

This past few years has been much more rewarding in my practice. Teaching dog owners how to feed their dogs differently to treat common medical conditions like itchy skin and constantly inflamed ears has really made my life easier. Before I used nutrition, I was stuck in the cycle of using pills, injections, ointments, sprays, and shampoos. I knew that none of these worked really well for the long term, but didn’t really have any other cure to offer. Once I made sure that the itchy one was adequately protected against fleas, I had to resort to the shelves of medication I kept on hand for the seemingly endless cycles of treatment for chronic skin issues. There are medications like antihistamines, prednisone, and Atopica or cyclosporine, but I really try hard to avoid daily medications.

Most human nutritionists agree that we should eat a variety of healthful whole foods. It is common knowledge that our over consumption of carbohydrates and processed foods is unhealthy for us. Once I started a healthier diet I lost weight and felt much better. This made me think about what we feed our animals. Most are sentenced to a dry, high carbohydrate, processed diet. Most never get to eat real food. Most vets and commercial pet food companies warn against “human food” because feeding it may upset the delicate balance of vitamins and minerals. The truth is that feeding a variety of healthful ingredients can only help an animal receive the nutrition that is needs. The last ten years of practice have convinced me that individual dogs have medical problems because most  “complete and balanced” dog foods are too dry, lack enough healthy oils, contain harmful allergens , and are chock full of obesity causing carbohydrates.

Just last week several clients told me how the advice that I gave them helped their dog look and feel better, lose weight,  recover from constant itching, get relief from painful joints, or helped with other health issues. When I started re-educating myself and then pet owners. I had no idea that nutrition would completely change the way I practice veterinary medicine. Traditional medicine focuses on treatment and not prevention.  I rely on traditional drugs too, but I am really thankful that I have more to offer. Feeding your dog a better diet may help them live a healthier, happier, life.

Teaching dog owners better nutritional choices and hearing or seeing all the positive results makes my job the most rewarding one I could ever hope to have. Inform yourself about dog food and make informed choices. Your dog may really thrive on a better dry food, raw food, canned food, more human food, or home cooked food. Different foods may lead to a better life. Give your dog that chance.

This review is from: Dr. Greg’s Dog Dish Diet (Paperback)

My food doesn’t come in pellet form in a bag, so why should my best friend’s? After reading an article in the NY Times about feeding fresh food to your dog, I decided to do some research. I did not do this for health issues or anything like that. My dog, Murphy simply did not like to eat. I know that sounds crazy, a dog not eating! Every dog I know has devoured whatever they can find, food or not. I was baffled. What could I do to get this dog to eat? I tried changing foods, dish soap; I fed him on the carpet and I raised the bowl off the ground so he wouldn’t have to lean down. Nothing worked; some days he ate, some he didn’t. Murphy is a pretty awesome dog, so finding a solution to this problem became my number one goal.

I searched high and low on the internet for dog food recipes. The recipes were out there, but I had no clue who designed the recipes or if they were good for my dog. It took me a little while to find ‘Dog Dish Diet’ but once I did I was intrigued. The book is written by a vet and gets good reviews. As a lawyer, I know that a degree does not make you smart. In fact, I have met some really stupid lawyers along the road, so how could I know that Dr. Greg was not a quack? Well, I went to his website and read what he had to say. Most importantly (to my uneducated mind), house dogs evolved from the wolf. Of course we all know this is true…there can be no other explanation of where dogs came from. After all, a wolf is really just a wild dog. What do wolves eat? Whatever they can find or kill, I guess. Dr. Greg also explained the domestication of wolves. Apparently when people lived in camps, wolves would hang around and eat their garbage/leftovers. Wolves have been around for thousands of years in the wild. If eating human leftovers was good enough for them, it was fine for Murphy. Dr. Greg knows what he is talking about and his advice is sound.

Now, on to the results!
#1 Murphy goes nuts whenever its time to eat. He jumps all over the place as he waits for the bowl to be placed on the ground. My dog is happier and that makes me happier.
#2 Murphy used to itch a lot. He barely scratches anymore.
#3 His coat is so much softer and shinier now.
#4 The food is easy to prepare as long as you have a crock-pot and a blender.
#5 Do you have any questions? Dr. Greg will actually respond to you on Facebook! I have asked him many questions and he always responds. He is a great person who just wants to help dogs.

If you made it through this entire review, you obviously care about your dog. Buy the book and your dog will love you even more! It is an easy read, cover to cover. I promise, you will read it more than once.

Happy New Year!

Dr Greg, Lonna  and their  Furry Family

Check out the new:

Dog Dish Diet Videos tab.

There you can purchase and instantly get information on a better diet for your dog!

I really want people to learn how to feed their dog a better diet so have made a series of video for those people that would rather watch than read. Enjoy some of the info in Dog Dish Diet for only 2.99. I wanted to offer them for a price that everyone can afford!