Looking for more knowledge about your dog's health? On this page, you'll find various articles about the health and well-being of your dog. We discuss various herbs and minerals, but also delve deeper into conditions, diseases, and everything else related to dogs.
Feeding
Diseases
Welfare
Which herbs have worming effects in dogs?
Dogs can get various parasites in their gastrointestinal system, including several types of worms. The presence of worms often leads to a variety of disease symptoms. To increase dogs' resistance to parasites and support the immune system, you can use herbs.. Common chemical deworming treatments for dogs are facing increasing resistance. This means that these medications are becoming less effective against the parasites they are designed to target. Additionally, chemical dewormers can cause environmental problems (due to excretion in feces) and are often expensive. Therefore, it is best to use deworming treatments only when they are truly necessary. Resistance to Worms Dogs naturally have some level of resistance to most types of parasites. It is imp...
Feeding
Tips to get your dog started on self-selection
Tips to get your dog started on self-selectionWhat happens to a horse when there are deficiencies? At askheltie, we give free nutritional advice.. In self-selection, we assume that dogs instinctively know what their body needs. Sometimes, dogs can choose foods that help strengthen their immune system or relieve certain ailments. It is also highly individual, a tailor-made approach for each dog. Getting Started with Self-Selection With self-selection, you create a kind of buffet with bowls containing different types of meat, vegetables, herbs, and other natural ingredients. If you want to start with self-selection, here are a few tips: Step...
Feeding
Is sugar in food a problem for dogs too?
We all know that people should not eat and drink too much sugar. It is unhealthy and fattening. Especially when it comes to so-called fast sugars, which are common in sweets and biscuits. But does the same apply to dogs? Are they also allowed only a limited amount of sugar? And is there actually sugar in dog food?. To start with the last point, Yes, dog food contains carbohydrates and sugars. These often come from grains, which are a key ingredient in many types of dog food. Starch is typically the main energy source in dog food. Cheaper dog foods often contain more starch, usually derived from grains, compared to premium dog food. Types of Sugars Not all sugars and carbohydrates are the same. Cooked starch is easily digestible for dogs, while lactose can be problematic for some. Cellulose from plants is p...
Feeding
Fruit and vegetables for your dog?
Dogs are omnivores and can enjoy some fruits and vegetables. So it is best to give them some healthy vegetables or pieces of fruit as snacks sometimes. But beware: not all fruits and vegetables are suitable and some plants are even downright toxic. We list them for you.. Healthy Vegetables and Fruits for Dogs: Apples: Rich in fiber and vitamin C, but be sure to remove the seeds and core! Bananas: A good source of fiber and potassium. Pineapple and mango: Sweet and exotic. Carrots: Crunchy and nutritious, especially as a snack. Spinach: High in iron and vitamin A. Blueberries: Great for digestion and packed with vitamin C. Watermelon: Cut into small pieces and seedless. Cucumber: Refreshing and tasty, and the skin can stay on. Broccoli and Brussels sprouts: High...
Feeding
What should go in the feeder daily?
Of course, as a dog owner, you want the best for your buddy. Healthy and tasty food, but also enough of it. At the same time, it should also be doable for you as an owner to prepare and feed the meals. What should you take into account?. Whatever you feed your dog, make sure the diet contains all the essential nutrients they need. Preferably with minimal grains, well-digestible proteins, and sufficient omega-3 fatty acids. Omnivore, Vegetarian, or Vegan? Dogs are naturally omnivores, meaning they can digest both animal and plant-based nutrients. An omnivorous diet naturally includes all the nutrients your dog needs. However, with some adjustments, a dog can also be fed a vegetarian diet. In that case, you need to ensure they get...
Feeding
Diseases
Nutrition and supplements for your dog with Cushing's disease
Dog owners regularly ask us what foods and/or supplements can support a dog with Cushing's disease. We are happy to explain in this article.. Cushing's disease, also known as hypercortisolism, occurs when a dog’s adrenal glands produce too much cortisol. The stress hormone cortisol plays a role in fight-or-flight responses and other short-term bodily reactions, but chronically elevated cortisol levels in the blood can negatively affect many aspects of health. Disrupted Insulin Response Cushing's disease in dogs can contribute to insulin resistance and is even one of the main causes of insulin-related problems in dogs with diabetes. Do...
Digestion
Feeding
BARF, kibble, meat or wet food? What are the differences?
As a dog owner, you have many different options for feeding your dog. Some swear by kibble, others prefer wet food or fresh meat and others put together a full BARF diet for their dog. So what exactly is the difference between all these options?. Most types of dog food you can buy in shops are so-called complete foods. Such a ‘complete’ food is tailored exactly to the needs of a healthy animal. That means you don't need to give any extras if your dog gets the recommended amount for its weight per day. All the required nutrients are in the right amount in this kind of food. This applies to both kibble and wet food that you can buy in shops. But raw fresh food is also available ready-to-eat and complete. The raw materials in these complete...
Feeding
Dog Food: A Comparison of Dry Food, Wet Food, and Fresh Meat
Choosing the right dog food can be overwhelming, especially with the many types of food available today. Whether you're considering dry food, wet food, or fresh meat, each type has its own advantages and disadvantages. In this blog, we'll discuss these three popular options so that you can make an informed choice that suits your dog's needs.. Kibble: The Classic Choice Kibble is perhaps the most common type of dog food. These dried pellets contain a balanced mix of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Advantages: Convenience: Kibble has a long shelf life, is easy to store, and quick to serve. It doesn't require refrigeration or special storage. Dental Health: Chewing on the hard kibble can help reduce plaque and keep your dog's teeth clean. Cost: In general, kibble is the most affordable option, especially for lar...
Feeding
Why you should avoid feeding your dogs too many grains
Grains like rice, oats, and barley can be a useful source of carbohydrates and fiber for dogs. They provide energy and support healthy digestion. However, not all dogs can tolerate grains well. Some dogs are allergic to grains or gluten, which can lead to a dull coat, skin problems, itching, and digestive issues like diarrhea.. It's important to limit the amount of grains in your dog's diet and monitor whether your dog is allergic to certain ingredients in its food. There is no fixed amount of grains that every dog can eat. This entirely depends on the individual dog. Some dog breeds handle grains less well than others. If your dog is sensitive to grains, it’s better to give grain-free dog food. When your dog is not allergic to grains, they usually don’t cause any harm, as long as meat or fish is the main ingredient in...
Feeding
How many times a day should a dog eat?
Of course, you feed your dog every day. But how many times a day does your pet get a portion? And is it always at the same time? How often your dog should eat depends on the breed, age, and size.. Most adult dogs do well on two meals a day: one in the morning and one in the evening. This keeps their energy level stable and helps your dog maintain a healthy weight. Feeding at around the same time each day also helps keep their digestion working well. Feeding small dogs more frequently Small dogs have a faster metabolism. They digest their food more quickly and burn relatively more energy. For small dog breeds, it may be better to feed three smaller portions per day. Puppies also need food...
Feeding
Kibble or meat: how to prevent dental problems?
Dental problems are common in dogs. Therefore, it is important to keep a close watch on your dog's teeth and to brush your dog's teeth. The choice of dog food also affects the teeth. How does that work?. Much has been written about whether you should feed your dog kibble, meat, or a combination of both. Often, it depends a bit on the dog (and the owner) what works best. But in general, we can say a few things about the influence of diet on dental health. Nutrition for Healthy Teeth First of all, it's important that your dog's diet is balanced and nutritious, whether you feed kibble, wet food, frozen meat, or completely fresh meals. When giving kibble or wet food, make sure you choose good qualit...
Feeding
Can you feed a dog a vegetarian or vegan diet?
You see it more and more often, vegetarian and even vegan food for dogs. So a complete feed in which no animal products are processed. But is that suitable for dogs? Can dogs function well on a fully vegetarian/vegan diet? In this blog, we are happy to give you our opinion.. Dogs are omnivores Dogs are basically omnivores, so they eat everything. The digestive system of a dog can digest both plant material, but also animal material completely. Dogs can therefore also digest herbs well and will pick and eat them themselves when given the opportunity. But they are also hunters, their teeth are truly the teeth of a carnivore. So if you purely look at the body of the dog, you should always offer a combined diet of meat and plants. This way, the dog will get all the nutr...