Kibble, no red meat, semi-moist, grain free, bones, no bones, vegan, omega 3 enriched, raw food, BARF, homemade ….the list goes on.

We all want to do the best for our dogs but the range of options can be daunting and opinions are certainly divided about what is the best way to feed a dog.

Full Stride’s nutrition advice services help to demystify dog feeding. Our services provide a written nutritional assessment of your dog’s existing diet and makes recommendations for changes you could make to balance or improve nutrient intake. Our assessment is based on understanding what nutrients dogs’ bodies need to function optimally and the foods in which these nutrients are found. The information contained in our assessments is derived from valid scientific studies which are referenced and freely available for your critical review.

What’s involved in a nutrition consultation?

1. Before the consultation, I ask you to complete a comprehensive questionnaire that covers:

• Dog’s current diet including brand (if applicable), variety, quantity, frequency, treats, and supplements.

• Dog’s breed, age, weight, activity levels and work or training requirements.

• Dog’s health history including medication.

• Your preferences and opinions about feeding dogs and diet generally.

• Your lifestyle including budget and time constraints.

The questionnaire also seeks to identify what you want to achieve from the nutrition consultation.

For example, some clients aren’t happy with their dog’s current diet and want advice on an “ideal” diet for their dog. Others want to make sure their dog’s current diet is delivering all the necessary nutrients in abundance. Still others, know how they want to feed their dog and need assistance to choose the best food.

When I receive your questionnaire, we schedule a consultation and I prepare my assessment and recommendations in line with what you want to achieve.

2. Face to face consultation

At the face to face consultation, I first examine your dog in terms of weight, general body condition, and behaviour. This examination is necessary for a number of reasons. Firstly, my professional code of conduct requires that I physically examine a dog before providing any dietary recommendations (Please see SAENA for more information). Secondly, the examination helps me refine my diet recommendations to address specific observations.

During this consultation, I present my recommendations to you for discussion and we agree next steps, if applicable.

Where a diet change is recommended and accepted, the “next steps” involve developing a plan to transition the dog successfully to the new diet and strategies for addressing potential set-backs.

3. Follow up

In cases where you are changing your dog’s diet to address specific health conditions or you need extra support making the diet change, a follow up consultation (face to face or by phone) can be scheduled. The purpose of the follow up is to discuss how you and your dog are managing the diet change, the effects of the change and any diet adjustments which may support your goals for your dog.

Feeding dogs can be very simple and stress free so please click here to receive the preliminary questionnaire and get started on demystifying dog feeding.

Until next time, enjoy your dogs.