Natural everything – our much preferred choice.

We’ve had a busy few weeks with lots of lovely orders! It is really apparent to us, from the lovely comments we’ve received, that dog owners really do want to feed their dogs the most natural food they can, which is great news for dogs! As a Nutritional Therapist, the first thing I do with my human clients is to get the diet right. The same applies to our dogs. Their digestive process is support by the probiotics and digestive enzymes in raw meat. Their teeth are supported by chewing on raw bones and their joint health is supported by the digestion of chickens feet and tracheas, providing the dogs with a fabulous natural source of glucosamine and chondroitin. As well as feeding our dogs a raw food diet, we use natural remedies as much as we can. I saw an article today on Facebook about using raw honey for dogs with allergies, which got me thinking about what other natural products we use. I have a ‘go to’ list of products which I draw on to resolve some issues that our dogs have had. I must say, at this point, that there is no way that I would just use a natural product without first being completely sure of the problem. If I am in any doubt at all, it’s a trip to the vet for a diagnosis and then I will decide which is the best course of action for our dogs, based on my own research and previous experience. Our vet is incredibly supportive and will happily explain a diagnosis and any options they would usually advise. However, a natural solution is always our preferred route.

Coconut oil (organic, cold pressed, raw )is one of my favourite things to use. It has antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties as well as containing medium chain triglycerides – good fats which are easy for the body to break down. I’ve used coconut oil to clear up an ear problem in one of our dogs, to heal minor scratches, to help stop itchy skin and in their food for super glossy coats.

Aloe vera is another favourite for it’s incredible ability to heal skin quickly. We have an ancient plant which, for many years, was just one stick until I re-potted it. Now we have lots of healthy plants which are actually reproducing! Very handy. I cut a small section, remove the green skin from the flat side and then put it over itchy patches, scratches or irritated skin. Either just wipe the gel over or attach to the affected area with a small bandage.

Apple cider vinegar (organic, with the mother http://www.bobbyshealthyshop.co.uk/show-product-details.php?ID=5) has so many uses. Mix it with a little coconut oil to make a cream to help itchy skin, add it to your dog’s water to help support the elimination of xenoestrogens (toxins absorbed from the environment such as cleaning chemicals, shampoos etc) and also to help support a healthy digestive process. There are lots of other natural solutions that we will be highlighting on an ongoing basis. As we’ve mentioned lots of times, we do everything we can to ensure that our dogs have the healthiest life and using natural products just makes sense to us. These options are often cheaper and more accessible as well as being effective – win win!