Good Health Is for Everyone - Including Your Dog

It’s National Dog Day, and we get the chance to celebrate our furry friends. They help keep us active with daily walks, comfort us after a long day, and make us laugh with their silly zoomies. They really are part of the family. But, just like us, they deserve to feel their best. We all look after our own health and wellness, but have you ever thought about your dog’s wellness too? A balanced approach to diet, exercise, and even supplements can make a huge difference to their overall happiness and wellbeing.

It may seem obvious why their health matters, but they rely on us to make the right choices for them. From what goes into their food bowl to how often we get them moving, these everyday decisions add up to a healthier, happier life for our pets.

Having The Right Diet

Dogs thrive on a diet that’s both balanced and nourishing. High quality food with the right mix of protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins helps maintain energy, keep their coats shiny, and support their immune system.

✅ Good Foods

• Lean Meats (chicken, turkey, beef, lamb) – Cooked, plain, no seasoning or bones.
• Plain Yogurt (unsweetened, no added sugar) – A source of probiotics if your dog tolerates dairy.
• Fish (salmon, sardines, mackerel) – Always cooked and boneless.
• Eggs – A good protein boost.
• Vegetables – Carrots, green beans, broccoli, spinach, sweet potato, peas, cucumber.
• Fruits – Blueberries, apples (no seeds), bananas, watermelon (seedless), strawberries.

❌ Bad Foods

• Chocolate – Toxic to dogs.
• Grapes/Raisins – Toxic to dogs and can cause kidney failure.
• Macadamia nuts – Toxic to dogs.
• Cooked bones – Can splinter and cause internal injuries.
• Processed foods – Bacon, sausage, crisps, chips, etc. can cause pancreatitis.

Extra Supplements For Support

Sometimes even with the best diet and exercise routine, dogs can benefit from supplemental support. They can benefit from this the most as they age or if they have medical needs[1].

Omega-3 Fatty Acids – Supports skin, coat, and joint health. It can also help reduce inflammation..

Glucosamine – Known for helping with mobility and joint comfort (specially in older dogs)

Probiotics – Promotes a healthy gut, aids digestion, and supports the  immune function.

Multivitamins – Provide a little extra boost of essential nutrients.

As with any supplements, it’s always best to check with your vet before introducing anything new.

Movement And Exercise

Exercise is one of the most important parts of keeping your dog healthy and happy. Dogs need regular movement to stay in good shape both physically and mentally. Daily activity helps them maintain a healthy weight[2], keeps their muscles strong, and supports their joints as they grow older.

Beyond the physical benefits, exercise also plays a huge role in your dog’s emotional wellbeing. A dog that gets enough activity is less likely to feel anxious, bored, or restless, which means fewer unwanted behaviours like chewing, scratching or barking.

There are so many fun activities and games you can do with your dog to keep them active, mentally stimulated, and happy:

Tug-of-War - Using a strong rope toy, a game of tug can be great exercise for your dog’s muscles and a fun bonding activity.

Water Play - If your dog enjoys water, paddling pools, sprinklers, or safe shallow streams are great for hot days. Tossing toys into the water for retrieval combines fetch and cooling down. This is also great for dogs with arthritis! A study on dogs with hip osteoarthritis found that swimming two to three times a week over eight weeks led to noticeable improvements in joint function[3]

Puzzle Toys - Interactive toys that hide treats inside are great for keeping dogs busy and mentally stimulated. You can make your own at home by placing kibble inside a folded towel.