People claim that if you gave your dog chia seeds every day, 5 good things would happen. We put those claims to the test in a recent episode of The Pet Nutrition Show. 

Nearly 80% of dogs over the age of eight are affected by osteoarthritis, a multifactorial disease causing the joints to deteriorate. Including certain probiotics, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants in your dog’s diet has a significant role in helping prevent excess cartilage damage. We explain why.

Atopic dermatitis is a major inflammatory skin condition that makes up 50% of all skin allergy diagnoses in dogs. The gut microbiome is made of a core microbial population that maintains intestinal function and communication between the gut-skin axis, keeping your dog's skin healthy. In this article, we look at the research in this area, and how pet parents can now improve the health of their dog’s skin with targeted probiotics. Using nutrition to address problematic skin, your dog’s itchy skin can be significantly improved, and in some cases, even prevented.

A healthy gut microbiome can reduce inflammation, boost the immune system, improve digestion, and even prevent anxiety and mood disorders. Probiotics can help prevent dysbiosis and restore balance within the gut microbiome. We explain how.

As dogs age, their brains age too, and this can affect learning and memory function. While we may be able to go to dance classes, learn a language, or do puzzles, to keep our brains healthy (Sudoku anyone?), our dogs don’t quite have the same options…Here we explain the terms, causes and signs and suggests ways to delay the onset.

It’s part of our daily routine to clean our teeth each morning and evening. But, not all pet parents know that it should be part of a doggy dental care routine too. So how do you keep dogs' teeth clean? We run through the options, from brushing with a DIY paste option you'll have in the pantry to a simple addition to the diet.

We answer the question: can dogs eat raw chicken? With a review of the pros and cons...and recommendations as to why gently cooked may actually be better than raw.

Why should I feed my dog raw? What's the health benefit? My vet recommends kibble. Why wouldn't I feed that? What does a raw diet look like? How do I transition from a dry food diet? Should I give my dog bones? What is the best meat for a raw diet? Can I feed my puppy raw? We answer these questions and more in our Guide to Raw Food Diet for Dogs.

Did you know dogs are living longer than ever? In fact,

a dog’s lifespan has increased by about 10% between 2002 and 2012. Many age-related issues dogs experience are associated with oxidative stress.

Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance between antioxidants and oxidants in the body. In this article we explain how nutraceuticals for dogs containing antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins with immunomodulatory properties have been shown in many studies to benefit age-related health issues in senior dogs, particularly canine cognitive dysfunction, heart disease, and some forms of cancer.

Behavioural problems in dogs are often a result of stress during early development. Puppies are also most vulnerable to stress during the socialisation period of development. Research has shown that the  environment provided by many private and commercial dog breeders can be stressful and overlaps with the most sensitive periods of behavioural development. Main stressors include confined living, inadequate socialisation, and early weaning. And the adverse effects of stress include a short attention span, anxiety, fear, and aggression. Here are some things you can do, to manage these early-life stresses.

Pasta is primarily starch, which the body breaks down into simple sugars. However, unlike humans, dogs don’t require dietary carbohydrates as an energy source. Feeding your dog pasta can lead to hyperglycemia and affect their overall health. In this article we explain why dogs can eat pasta, but they probably shouldn't.

In a nutshell: Rock melon is packed with antioxidants such as carotene, beta-carotene, vitamins A and C. The nutrients in rock melon have immune-boosting properties. Rock melon can be given as an occasional healthy treat for dogs. So yes, dogs can eat rock melon, but only in moderation.