and minerals. Learn how to create positive associations and good behaviour at mealtimes and the best ways to use food in
THE HOUNDSLEY B ROT H E R S C L E A N E AT I N G F O R D O G S
A F O R E WO R D F RO M O U R F O O D I E FOUR-LEGGED FRIENDS
THE HOUNDSLEY B ROT H E R S
H
i, we’re the Houndsley Brothers and welcome to our expert guide to clean eating for dogs. Working with our Devon friends Forthglade, we live a life that’s close to nature, right down to the food we eat and we believe every dog deserves a natural, wholesome and nutritious diet.
Poor quality dog food, filled with artificial colours, flavours and preservatives, can cause all sorts of behavioural and health problems, from hyperactivity and difficulty in training to a lacklustre coat and bad breath. But not all dog food is like this and you’ll be amazed by the changes a switch to a natural, nutrient-rich diet can achieve. For this essential guide, we’ve worked with an expert nutritionist and canine behaviourist to bring you the most up-to-date and practical advice. Discover how to choose the best food, packed with high-quality protein, healthy veggies and essential vitamins and minerals. Learn how to create positive associations and good behaviour at mealtimes and the best ways to use food in training.You can even treat your dog to some homemade meals, with our naturally balanced recipes. If you have any questions or a success story to share, we’d love to hear from you. Find us on Twitter at @HoundsleyBros #Cleaneatingfordogs
F E E D I N G YO U R D O G F O R L I F E L O N G H E A LT H H O W T O C H O O S E W H AT ’ S B E S T F O R Y O U R D O G INSIDE AND OUT KNOW WHAT’S IN YOUR DOG’S FOOD Don’t be fooled by healthy sounding ingredients and photos of glossy-coated dogs - these tell us very little about the nutritional value of the food. We recommend a natural dog food, free from artificial additives and derivatives, which can negatively impact your dog’s health and behaviour. Dogs require about 40 essential nutrients daily. The diet you feed your dog should provide all of these in the right form and quantity - dog food that’s labelled ‘complete’ must contain them all.You can also combine a quality, complementary dog food with a nutritious mixer to ensure your dog gets what it needs. KEEP AN EYE ON YOUR DOG’S WEIGHT You can check your dog’s weight easily by eye. Simply stand above your dog and look down. If your dog is at its ideal weight, you should be able to feel the ribs quite easily but not see them.Your dog should also have a definite waist behind the ribs. Now look at your dog from the side. It should have an obvious abdominal tuck. If you’re unsure, check with your vet. DON’T BE TEMPTED TO OVERFEED YOUR DOG Dogs are masters at persuading us they are hungry and need more food. Base the amount of food you give on how your dog looks, not how hungry it acts. CONSIDER AGE, BREED & ACTIVITY LEVEL Watch the condition of your dog’s body and coat.Your dog is getting what he or she needs if energy levels are right for age and breed, skin and coat are healthy and stools are firm and brown.
PUPPIES
A D U LT S
SENIORS
Puppies have very high demands for nutrients as they grow, so it is important to choose a quality, nutritious food that’s suited to your dog’s size. Small breed puppies have much higher energy requirements and smaller mouths and teeth, so they need energy-dense food that’s easier to chew. Large breed puppies that grow too fast are at risk of joint problems, so they need less energy-dense food to encourage slow and steady growth.
Look for lots of high quality animal protein at the top of the ingredients list as well as vegetables, whole grains and fruits. Highly active dogs will need more food or a higher protein food. Small dogs need a nutrient-dense diet.
As our dogs get older, joint support such as glucosamine and chondroitin is more important than ever. It can be difficult for our senior dogs to digest fat, so it is crucial not only to consider the fat level but also the type of fat in your dog’s food. Omega-3 fatty acids are best. Other supplements to consider are vitamin B complex, vitamin E and digestive aids like pre-probiotics.
Keep in mind that it is best for an adult dog to be on the slightly lean side. On average, lean dogs live two years longer than their podgy friends.
MAINTAINING A HEALTHY COAT AND SKIN If your dog’s diet doesn’t contain enough of the right nutrients or contains low quality nutrients this can contribute to a dull coat, excess shedding and dry, flaky or itchy skin. A diet, rich in high quality, digestible proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals is key to maintaining a healthy coat and skin. In fact, a recent study revealed that 30-35% of your dog’s daily protein intake is needed just to keep its skin and coat in good condition. Some dogs may need an extra boost in the form of a supplement, like linseed oil, which is rich in essential omega-3 fatty acids. FIVE THINGS TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING A DOG FOOD 1. High meat content and quality 2. Avoid foods that are not specific enough. ‘Animal fat’ begs the question, which animal? Sometimes the packaging can be misleading, a ‘beef’ recipe on closer inspection may be made primarily with chicken or another hidden meat source. Look for named sources in the ingredients list such as lamb, turkey or beef 3. A little grain is okay but look for whole grains like brown rice 4. Avoid artificial colours, sugars, flavours and preservatives 5. Avoid meat and animal derivatives TIPS FOR FUSSY EATERS • Assuming illness is not putting your dog off its food, you might just have to make dinner more exciting. Try adding a small amount of grated Parmesan, sardine juice or mashed sardines, homemade meat broth or goat’s yoghurt • If your dog is maintaining a healthy body weight and not finishing its meals, you may have simply overestimated its calorie requirements. So try cutting down the portion size that you are offering • Some dogs will refuse foods that upset their bodies. If you have recently added a new ingredient to your dog’s diet, try removing it
DID YOU KNOW? Compared to our 9,000 taste buds, your dog only has 1,700 and, as a result, they just don’t crave variety like we do. Providing more choice may make your dog fussier. Once you find a food that works for your dog, stick with it.
N AT U R A L I N G R E D I E N T S F O R H E A LT H Y H O U N D S E V E RY T H I N G Y O U R D O G N E E D S T O G ROW A N D T H R I V E PROTEIN Protein is the most important part of your dog’s diet. Proteins are made up of amino acids, which are used for energy, the production of enzymes, hormones and antibodies and building muscle and other structural tissue. Dogs produce about half of these amino acids internally, the other half must come from their diet. Eggs, fish and meats are considered the best foods for providing high quality protein. In contrast, most plant proteins tend to be less beneficial, as they are harder to digest and contain insufficient quantities of specific amino acids.
BEEF - A nutrient packed protein and great source of essential minerals
CHICKEN - An excellent source of protein, which is easily digestible
DUCK - Easy to digest and a good source of vitamins A and B3
OCEAN FISH - A powerhouse of natural oils and vitamins, with huge health benefits
LAMB - Packed with essential amino acids, zinc and omega-6 fatty acids
SALMON - Rich in health-promoting omega-3 fatty acids, low in calories and high in protein
TURKEY - High in phosherous, which is essential for healthy bones
CARBOHYDRATES Your dog can convert protein and fat into energy and therefore does not have a specific requirement for carbohydrates. However, carbohydrates spare valuable protein from being used for energy, so it can be used for tissue repair and growth. As a result your dog’s body functions much better with some carbohydrate in its diet. Carbohydrates also provide dietary fibre, which promotes gastrointestinal health and helps your dog feel full. The healthiest sources are unprocessed or minimally processed, such as brown rice, sweet potatoes and butternut squash. These deliver vitamins, minerals, fibre and a host of phytonutrients, which help prevent disease.
BROWN RICE - High in fibre, rich in antioxidants and a great source of manganese, magnesium and selenium
CARROTS - Pack a powerful antioxidant and vitamin punch
BUTTERNUT SQUASH - High in fibre and full of vitamins A, C and potassium
PEAS - Full of protein and fibre and great in grain-free foods
SWEET POTATO - Super nutritious with vitamins A, B6 and C
WHITE POTATO - A great energy-giving, grain-free carbohydrate source
VITAMINS AND MINERALS Your dog needs vitamins and minerals to grow, develop and stay healthy, but balance is key. Some vitamins and minerals work together in groups, while others enhance or impair the absorption and functioning of another vitamin or mineral. For example, an excess of iron can cause a deficiency in zinc.Vitamin C helps absorb iron and vitamin D is an essential factor in the regulation of calcium and phosphorous balance. Here’s what your dog needs…
COPPER - Key for many body processes including the formation of collagen, bone and connective tissue
GLUCOSAMINE & CHONDROITIN - Helps prevent the breakdown of joint cartilage and provides additional joint support
TAURINE - Can regulate the heartbeat, move calcium in and out of cells and maintain cell membrane stability
VITAMIN A - Important for vision, growth, immune function and foetal development
VITAMIN D3 - Aids skeletal structure, muscle contraction, blood-clotting, nerve conduction, cell signalling and phosphorous balance
VITAMIN E - A powerful antioxidant aiding antibodies in the immune system
ZINC - An essential mineral used by all the body’s cells
OMEGA-RICH FRUITY LAMB
YOUR DOG WILL LOVE THIS MOUTHWATERING MEDLEY OF NUTRIENT-DENSE LAMB, FISH, FRUIT AND VEG. WE’VE ALSO ADDED BROWN RICE TO THIS COMPLETE RECIPE – OUR RECOMMENDATION FOR DIETS THAT INCLUDE GRAIN - AS IT IS HIGH IN FIBRE, PROMOTES WEIGHT LOSS AND HELPS TO STABILISE BLOOD SUGAR. PORTIONS: This recipe provides seven servings for one week for a 14kg dog IDEAL FOR: Healthy, active dogs NUTRITION: This recipe provides 770 kcal that breaks down as 33% from protein, 32% from carbohydrates and 35% from fat INGREDIENTS: (All weights noted are the cooked weights)
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800g lamb, ground, boiled 200g lamb heart, boiled 80g lamb liver, boiled 400g pollock fillets, grilled or baked 150g salmon, canned, drained solids with bone 1200g potatoes, boiled without skin
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800g brown rice, boiled 300g carrots, boiled 1/2 banana without skin, raw 10g blueberries 3 ½ teaspoons eggshell 1200mcg iodine 14mg iron citrate
In addition to the supplements to be added to the batch, please add the following when serving: • 1 capsule vitamin E (250 IU) - 1 x weekly • 1/4 tablet vitamin B compound (“50”) - 2 x weekly • 1 capsule 500mg taurine - 3 x weekly METHOD: Mix all the ingredients together well, then divide into seven equal portions. Chop or mash ingredients depending on your dog’s size and preference. Freeze four and defrost through the week as needed. This recipe will keep in the freezer for up to one month. NOTE: Eggshells should be dried in a slow oven (about 130 degrees Celsius) for a few minutes. Once the shells are dried and cooled, crush them well. The goal is to have fine powder.You can keep the powder in your fridge for about two weeks. HINT: Lamb is a top quality protein source, high in iron, zinc, vitamin B12, niacin and omega-6 fatty acids. TIP: The vitamins and minerals listed above can be found at mainstream health food shops and online.
SUPER SURF & TURF PACKED WITH HIGH QUALITY PROTEIN AND A PLETHORA OF HEALTH-BOOSTING VITAMINS AND MINERALS, THIS TASTY COMPLETE, GRAIN FREE RECIPE COMBINES OMEGA-RICH OILY FISH AND SUPER NUTRITIOUS BEEF LIVER WITH VIBRANT FRUIT AND VEG. PORTIONS: This recipe provides seven servings for one week for a 14kg dog IDEAL FOR: Healthy, active dogs NUTRITION: This diet provides 768 kcal that breaks down as 36% from protein, 33% from carbohydrates and 31% from fat INGREDIENTS: (Other than quinoa, all weights noted are the cooked weights)
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900g turkey, ground, broiled, 350g mackerel fillets, grilled or baked 50g beef liver, broiled 200g tinned salmon 180g quinoa, (uncooked weight – please weigh and then cook) 2000g sweet potatoes - peeled, boiled 200g green beans - boiled
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1 apple - cored and grated 10g raspberries 3 ½ teaspoons eggshell 1200mcg iodine 60mg zinc citrate 14mg iron citrate 400mcg selenium
In addition to the supplements to be added to the batch, please add the following when serving: • 1 capsule vitamin E (250 IU) - 1 x weekly • 1/4 tablet vitamin B compound (“50”) - 2 x weekly • 1 capsule 500mg taurine - 3 x weekly METHOD: Mix all the ingredients together well, then divide into seven equal portions. Chop or mash ingredients depending on your dog’s size and preference. Freeze four and defrost through the week as needed. This recipe will keep in the freezer for up to one month. NOTE: Eggshells should be dried in a slow oven (about 130 degrees Celsius) for a few minutes. Once the shells are dried and cooled, crush them well. The goal is to have fine powder.You can keep the powder in your fridge for about two weeks. HINT: Fatty fish is very rich in the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. DID YOU KNOW?: One teaspoon of crushed eggshell provides 1800 mg of calcium. Correct calcium to phosphorus ratio in your dog’s diet is extremely important, as they work together to perform many functions, such as cell growth, the formation and maintenance of bone, muscle contractions and heartbeat. TIP: The vitamins and minerals listed above can be found at mainstream health food shops and online.
BUTTERNUT & B L U E B E R RY B O O S T DELIVERING A WHOLESOME HIT OF SOME OF NATURE’S HEALTHIEST FRUIT, VEG AND DAIRY, THIS NUTRITIOUS MIXER IS A COMPLEMENTARY FOOD THAT CAN BE ADDED TO ANY OF FORTHGLADE’S JUST 90% RANGE. RICH IN POTASSIUM AND VITAMINS C AND D. PORTIONS: This recipe provides seven servings for one week for a 14kg dog IDEAL FOR: Healthy, active dogs NUTRITION: One serving provides 10% of the daily kcal intake of a healthy active, 14kg dog INGREDIENTS: (All weights noted are the cooked weights) • 200g goat or sheep’s yoghurt • 500g butternut squash, boiled • 10g blueberries, raw • 3 eggs, hard boiled, peeled • 40g broccoli, boiled • ¼ teaspoon ground eggshell METHOD: Mix all the ingredients together well, then divide into seven equal portions. Chop or mash ingredients depending on your dog’s size and preference. Freeze four and defrost throughout the week as needed. This recipe will keep in the freezer for up to one month. NOTE: Eggshells should be dried in a slow oven (about 130 degrees Celsius) for a few minutes. Once the shells are dried and cooled, crush them well. The goal is to have fine powder. You can keep the powder in your fridge for about two weeks. HANDY HINT: You can double or triple the amounts to make larger batches and freeze them in daily servings. TIP: Mix it up and rotate broccoli between other brightly coloured vegetables, like brussel sprouts, spinach, cabbage or carrots. DID YOU KNOW?: Blueberries are packed with antioxidants, which help protect your dog from cell damage and strengthen its immune system.
O AT Y F L A X S E E D BITES
WHOLESOME HOMEMADE TREATS ARE A GREAT WAY TO REWARD GOOD BEHAVIOUR AND THESE TASTY BISCUITS HAVE LOTS OF HEALTHY BENEFITS, WITH FIBROUS OATS, OMEGA-RICH FLAXSEEDS AND BREATH-FRESHENING PARSLEY. PORTIONS: Recipe makes approximately 60 – 70 biscuits when using a 1.5cm x 1.5cm square cutter – about two week’s worth of treats for a healthy dog IDEAL FOR: Healthy, active dogs NUTRITION: Treats should never make up more than 10% of your dog’s diet INGREDIENTS: • 30g milled flaxseed • 200g oat flour • 1 cup chopped fresh parsley • 1 egg • 125ml chicken stock METHOD: • Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius • Combine all the dry ingredients in a large bowl • Add the chicken stock and egg • Kneed into a dough and roll it out to about 3-5mm thick (if the dough is a bit sticky add a little more flour) • Cut individual bites with a cookie cutter • Place on baking paper and pop in the oven for 30 minutes or until they are golden brown • Turn the oven off and allow the treats to cool completely inside the oven before removing HINT: Parsley is often used as a breath freshener or to soothe a dog’s stomach. DID YOU KNOW?: Oats are an excellent source of soluble fibre, which can be specifically beneficial for older dogs that may have trouble maintaining bowel regularity.
F E E D I N G YO U R D O G F O R G O O D B E H AV I O U R
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eeding your dog high quality, natural food, packed with nutritious ingredients is the first step to improving its behaviour and happiness. The food your dog eats impacts everything from mood and energy to toilet training. Setting a regular routine and creating positive associations with food will help both dog and owner look forward to mealtimes.
Acclaimed dog behaviourist Nick Jones has this advice to share… CHOOSE A CALM FEEDING LOCATION Ideally you should feed your dog in the same location for each meal. It should be in a quiet place away from busy thoroughfares, so your dog can feel relaxed as it eats and drinks. ESTABLISH A CONSISTENT ROUTINE A consistent feeding routine allows your dog to become accustomed and confident that it will be fed at a set time and location, helping to manage its expectations and reduce begging at other times. DISCOURAGE BEGGING Avoid sharing food from your plate with your dog, as this will only encourage it to beg and become a nuisance. If you have healthy leftovers (low in salt and fat), try using them in training in a more controlled manner. TEACH GOOD MANNERS AT MEALTIMES Encourage your dog to sit and wait at a respectable distance while you prepare its food. Then when you are ready, you can ask him to stay briefly while you place the bowl on the floor (it may help to count to five in your head) then give a clear ‘OK’ command.
AVOID FOOD GUARDING Some dogs get very possessive around food or bones and addressing this behaviour may require a gradual approach. If your dog is still young you can teach good habits from the start using the following strategies:
• Don’t interrupt your dog during meals by lifting its bowl, as this can cause a sense of protectiveness over food. • Help your dog feel relaxed eating in your presence by dropping in tasty morsels during its meal. • Once you are happy the dog is relaxed in your presence and understands basic obedience, give a ‘sit and wait’ command midmeal and add something mouth-watering to its bowl before releasing it to eat again.
USE FOOD IN TRAINING Food is a very simple yet effective means of distracting and rewarding your dog. It works in three ways: gaining its attention, keeping its attention and finally, as a reward. Here are a few ideas:
• Sharpen and reward the recall process by offering a well-timed reward when your dog returns promptly to your call. • Distract your dog from something that frightens it, such as other passing dogs, traffic or domestic machines. Place the dog on a lead for basic control, then gradually introduce the item it fears, rewarding calm behaviour with food.
• From puppyhood it’s important to teach your dog to sit when greeted by people and not jump up. When meeting another person, simply place your dog into the sitting position with all four feet on the ground, if this order is obediently followed, offer food in reward.
WHY AN I M P ROV E D D I E T = B E T T E R B E H AV I O U R EASIER TOILET TRAINING Poor quality food often causes diarrhoea, making it difficult for your dog to control its bowels and for you to successfully time toilet breaks. Feeding your puppy a quality, natural food will help it produce regular and firm stools, making it easier to judge the best times to let it out. A CALMER, MORE FOCUSSED COMPANION Artificial additives in low quality dog food can lead to hyperactive behaviour, a lack of focus and greater sensitivity towards people or other dogs. Dogs that eat an additive-free diet are better companions, displaying the calmer and more focused behaviour you want. IMPROVED ENERGY AND WILLINGNESS TO PLEASE At the opposite end of the spectrum, additives can also cause weight gain, lethargy and a poor desire to please. This is often accompanied by physical symptoms such as dry skin, a lacklustre coat, bad breath and loose stools. Natural food will provide plenty of energy, leading to an alert and happy dog. NICK JONES SAYS “My passion lies in helping to create a relationship that allows the dog to be well mannered, content and free from stressful behavioural patterns. I believe that providing your dog with nutritious, natural and balanced food, such as Forthglade, is the very first step in achieving this - ensuring that a dog is able to learn, relax and enjoy its environment. It is always a real pleasure to see the positive impact that an improved diet can have on a dog and also how the relationship can improve between animal and owner.”
We understand that not everyone has the time to make their own dog food, but that doesn’t mean your four-legged companion can’t still enjoy the benefits of a pure, natural diet. Our friends at Forthglade have been making nutritionally balanced and delicious dog food in the heart of the Devon countryside for over 40 years. Forthglade recipes are made with natural ingredients that are sourced in the UK, wherever possible, and gently cooked to retain all that natural goodness. There are two ranges: complementary and complete. Just 90% is the complementary range and contains 90% single source, high quality meat and a few minerals, it should be served with a high quality mixer for a nutritionally balanced meal. The Complete Meals are available with brown rice or grain free. They all contain 75% single source meat, vegetables, vitamins, minerals, prebiotics, botanicals, omega-3, glucosamine and chondroitin for a nutritionally balanced meal.
DELICIOUS!
W W W. F O R T H G L A D E . C O M W W W. F A C E B O O K . C O M / F O R T H G L A D E @ F O RT H G L A D E W W W. I N S TA G R A M . C O M / F O R T H G L A D E
