Dog Health topics for Seattle
At Dog Friendly Seattle, we believe that a healthy dog is a happy dog! Whether you're a Seattle native or just visiting, we’re here to help you ensure that your four-legged friend enjoys everything this vibrant city has to offer—while staying in top shape, both physically and mentally. Just as important as fun outings and adventures are your dog’s health and well-being. That’s why we’ve created this section dedicated to all things dog health. Here, you'll find expert advice, local resources, and tips on everything from nutrition and fitness to preventive care and mental stimulation, all tailored to the unique needs of Seattle’s dogs.
Whether you’re navigating the puppy stage, caring for an aging dog, or looking for ways to keep your active pup healthy, we’ve got the information you need to make the best choices for your dog's health. Explore the resources, discover new vet clinics and pet services, and learn how to give your dog a long, happy, and healthy life—right here in the heart of the Pacific Northwest.
What Food Should I Be Feeding My Dog?
The most common dog food in the United States is dry dog food or kibble. These come from easily recognizable brands like Purina, Blue Buffalo, IAMS, Pedigree and many others. Dry food is hands down, the easiest way to feed your pet. It is readily available in most grocery outlets, it's affordable, easy to store, and energy dense.
But, is it the only way to feed your dog? Is it the healthiest diet for your pet? Should I be making my own dog food? These are questions you can answer by speaking with your veterinarian and doing additional research to educate yourself.
Lets dive deeper into dry kibble. We mentioned the pros, but what are the cons of dry food? For starters, if you have ever tried a bite yourself, it is certainly not the most palatable food source. It often contains high levels of carbohydrates (like corn and wheat) which can lead to obesity, digestive issues, and nutritional deficiencies due to the extensive processing that significantly reduces the nutrient value of the ingredients and its dehydrated nature is can be very hard on your dog's kidneys. Many contain artificial flavors and preservatives that are linked to cancer. Some are loaded with "filler" ingredients with little nutritional value and are often allergenic. And, don't be fooled, although the label lists all the essential vitamins and minerals at 100%, they may not be in the form your dog is able to readily absorb.
So, what can you do instead? Besides simply paying the extra $$ for the "healthier" pet food brand. Read the ingredients labels and do your own research. Choose organic or free-range ingredients rather than "by-products". Avoid common preservatives such as BHA, BHT, and ethoxyquin. And always avoid artificial flavors and colors.
If you want to go a step further, you can even feed your dog REAL food. You can make the switch to entirely homemade meals or simply supplement the dry food diet to ensure your pup is getting the essential nutrients they need. However, be careful to change their diet slowly and know that what you are giving them is something they can actually eat. Many foods that we eat are toxic to our pets. So, please, please, please educate yourself.
