What's in Your Pet's Bowl? The Powerful Link Between Nutrition and Animal Health

Micronutrients, although needed in smaller amounts, micronutrients play a critical role in overall health.
Vitamins

• Support immune function

• Promote eye and neurological health

• Assist reproduction and cellular health

Minerals

• Strengthen bones and teeth

• Support muscle and nerve function

• Help maintain healthy hydration and electrolyte balance

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It's Not Just What They Eat, It's What They Absorb
A food can look great on the label, but the real question is: Can your pet actually use those nutrients?

This is called bioavailability, which refers to how efficiently nutrients are absorbed and utilised by the body.

Factors that influence bioavailability include:

• Food quality and processing methods

• Digestive health and gut function

• Microbiome balance

• Food combinations and nutrient interactions

Whole-food ingredients and minimally processed foods can often provide nutrients in forms that are easier for the body to recognise and utilise.

The Benefits of Better Nutrition

A balanced, nutrient-dense diet may help support:
✅ A stronger immune system
✅ Improved digestion and gut health
✅ Healthy skin and coat
✅ Better mobility and recovery
✅ Healthy weight management
✅ Slower age-related decline
✅ Overall vitality and quality of life

Safe Food Additions for Many Dogs

✅ Dog-Safe Foods Checklist
(Always introduce new foods gradually and feed in moderation as part of a balanced diet)

Proteins
☐ Cooked lean turkey (unseasoned)
☐ Cooked chicken (boneless, skin removed)
☐ Cooked lean beef
☐ Cooked lamb
☐ Cooked fish (boneless)
☐ Sardines in spring water
☐ Cooked eggs

Vegetables
☐ Pumpkin
☐ Carrots
☐ Green beans
☐ Sweet potato
☐ Zucchini
☐ Cucumber
☐ Broccoli (small amounts)
☐ Celery

Hydration
☐ Fresh clean water available at all times

🚫 Foods Dogs Should Never Eat
☐ Chocolate
☐ Grapes and raisins
☐ Onions, garlic, chives, and leeks
☐ Xylitol (found in some sugar-free products)
☐ Macadamia nuts
☐ Alcohol
☐ Caffeine
☐ Cooked bones
☐ Mouldy or spoiled foods
☐ Excessively fatty scraps

Portion guide for new additions
New foods should generally make up no more than 10% of your dog's daily diet unless advised otherwise by your veterinarian.

Small Dogs (Under 10kg)
🐾 1 to 2 teaspoons per new food

Medium Dogs (10-25kg)
🐾 1 to 2 tablespoons per new food

💡 Introduce only one new food every 3 to 5 days so any sensitivities can be identified.

Wellbeing check-in --- after introducing a new food, monitor:
☐ Appetite
☐ Energy levels
☐ Stool quality
☐ Skin and coat condition
☐ Comfort and mobility
☐ Behaviour and mood

Puppy Safe Foods Checklist
Puppies have different nutritional needs and should receive most of their nutrition from a complete puppy diet to support healthy growth.

Safe Extras (Small Amounts Only):
☐ Cooked pumpkin
☐ Cooked chicken
☐ Cooked turkey
☐ Cooked egg
☐ Blueberries
☐ Small pieces of banana
☐ Sardines in spring water (occasionally)

Monitor for:
☐ Healthy growth
☐ Normal stools
☐ Consistent appetite
☐ Good energy levels
☐ Healthy weight gain

Senior Dog Safe Foods Checklist 
As dogs age, nutrition can help support joint health, muscle maintenance, mobility, digestion, and overall vitality, supporting healthy ageing.

Great Choices for Senior Dogs:
☐ Cooked turkey
☐ Sardines in spring water
☐ Cooked pumpkin
☐ Green beans
☐ Blueberries
☐ Cooked egg
☐ Bone broth
☐ Plain yoghurt (if tolerated)
☐ Sweet potato

Monitor for:
☐ Mobility
☐ Muscle condition
☐ Appetite
☐ Digestive comfort
☐ Hydration
☐ Energy levels
☐ Quality of life

Medical Cautions
🩺 Pancreatitis Risk - dogs with a history of pancreatitis or hyperlipidaemia may require strict fat control.

Use caution with:

☐ Sardines
☐ Eggs
☐ Coconut oil
☐ Higher-fat meats
☐ Full-fat dairy products

🩺 Kidney Disease (CKD) - protein quality and phosphorus content should be reviewed before dietary supplementation.

Use caution with:

☐ Sardines
☐ Large protein additions
☐ Bone-containing products

🩺 Liver Disease - dietary modifications may be required depending on diagnosis.

Veterinary review recommended before adding:

☐ High-protein foods
☐ Organ meats
☐ Nutritional supplements

🩺 Diabetes Mellitus - avoid foods that may rapidly alter blood glucose levels.

Use caution with:

☐ Banana
☐ Excess sweet potato
☐ Fruit treats

🩺 Obesity & Weight Management - treats and food additions contribute calories.

Recommended lower-calorie options:
☑ Green beans
☑ Cucumber
☑ Zucchini
☑ Celery

Limit:

☐ Peanut butter
☐ Full-fat dairy
☐ Excess starches

💡 Use part of your dog's daily food allowance as training rewards throughout the day. Set aside a portion of their regular kibble or balanced diet each morning and use it for training, enrichment, and rewarding good behaviour to help prevent unintentional overfeeding.

🩺 Food Allergies & Adverse Food Reactions - dogs undergoing elimination trials should not receive additional foods unless approved by the attending veterinarian.

Potential allergens include:
☐ Chicken
☐ Beef
☐ Dairy
☐ Egg
☐ Wheat-containing products

🩺 Urinary Conditions - certain urinary disorders require targeted dietary management.

Veterinary approval recommended before introducing:

☐ High-mineral foods
☐ Supplements
☐ Major dietary modifications

A Gentle Reminder
Every dog is unique, and what works well for one may not be suitable for another. Age, breed, activity level, medical conditions, allergies, and medications can all influence nutritional needs.

The information shared in this article is intended to educate and inspire healthier choices for your pet, but it should not replace advice from your veterinarian or a qualified animal nutrition professional. If you're considering significant dietary changes, introducing supplements, or feeding a homemade diet, it's always best to seek professional guidance first.

When trying new foods, start slowly and observe your dog's digestion, energy levels, and overall wellbeing. If you notice any adverse reactions or suspect your pet has consumed something toxic, contact your veterinarian immediately.

At Active Canine Performance & Recovery, we believe that small, thoughtful nutritional choices can make a meaningful difference to your dog's long-term health, happiness, and quality of life. 🐾💕