How Your Dog's Food Can Be Medicine
Written by: Tiffany Ruiz Dasilva, VMD, cVMA | Professional Services Veterinarian, Wild Earth
Did you know that food is one of the most important factors you can control when it comes to your health – and your dog’s health? Proper nutrition is vital to both health maintenance and disease prevention and management.
Food provides nutrients such as carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and even water, all of which are essential for the body to function optimally. I want to highlight the importance of these nutrients, and some of the foods that contain them in high amounts.
Protein - Along with facilitating muscle synthesis and growth, proteins also aid in metabolism and immune function. Many people think of meat when they think of protein, but protein can also come from plant sources such as beans, peas, potatoes, and yeast. Did you know that the yeast used in our formulas contains up to 49% protein by weight, which is significantly higher than the 24% your dog would get from beef?!
Carbohydrates - Contrary to what the media likes to convey, carbohydrates are an important part of your dog’s diet. Carbohydrates are the main energy source for the body, but not every carbohydrate is created equal. We use complex carbohydrates such as oats, pumpkin and sweet potato, which are high in fiber and will provide your pup with the energy they need to thrive.
Fiber - Fiber is an essential part of a healthy diet as it not only promotes proper digestion, but it feeds the beneficial bacteria in the gut. Foods high in fiber include vegetables, fruits, grains and beans. These foods help decrease inflammation, boost the immune system and help protect against disease.
Fats - Fats are not only a great source of energy, but essential fatty acids such as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, help decrease inflammation, improve heart health, and help maintain healthy skin and a shiny coat. Plant sources of fats high in these essential fatty acids, such as sunflower oil, flaxseed and canola oil, are an important part of our recipe. For omegas to have maximum health benefits, intake of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids need to be balanced appropriately. We take this very seriously and make sure to complete a chemical analysis of the finished product, which allows us to guarantee the amounts of omega-3, omega-6 fatty acids, including DHA.
Vitamins and Minerals - Vitamins and minerals play incredibly diverse functions in the body, and it is important to maintain an optimal level of each essential vitamin and mineral, as deficiency and toxicity can result in disease. For example, insufficient vitamin D can lead to immune dysfunction. Essential vitamins and minerals must be acquired in the diet, so choosing the right dog food is important. At Wild Earth, our dog food contains the essential vitamins and minerals your pet needs.
Antioxidants - Antioxidants protect your dog’s cells from free radicals, which can damage DNA and cause inflammation, leading to aging, impaired brain function and chronic diseases such as cancer. The main sources of antioxidants are fruits and vegetables.
Our Wild Earth dog products are packed with high quality ingredients that can provide the essential nutrients your dog needs to thrive and potentially live a longer life.
By: Tiffany Ruiz Dasilva, VMD. cVMA | Professional Services Veterinarian, Wild Earth
Tiffany Ruiz Dasilva, VMD, cVMA
Dr. Tiffany Ruiz Dasilva is the Professional Services Veterinarian here at Wild Earth. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Brown University, and attended veterinary school at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. Since graduation, she has worked in general practice, on telehealth platforms, and in animal rehabilitation. She has worked tirelessly to gain expertise in the field of canine nutrition through numerous certifications and coursework, and plans to pursue her Masters in Animal Nutrition.
