Good Food for Dogs

best dog food for dogs

Good Food for Dogs – Nutritious Choices Beyond the Bowl

best dog food for dogsLooking for the best dog food for dogs that goes beyond commercial kibble? Many human foods can offer fantastic health benefits for your furry friend when chosen wisely. From boosting energy to supporting digestion and immunity, here are 8 vet-approved, healthy human foods that dogs can safely enjoy as part of a balanced diet.

1. Peanut Butter – Natural Energy Boost

Peanut butter is a popular treat that packs protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins, helping dogs stay full of energy. Most pups love the creamy texture and salty taste. Spread some on apple slices, carrots, or a chew toy for an engaging snack.

Important: Always choose peanut butter free from xylitol or added sugars, as these are toxic to dogs.

2. Cheese – Protein and Calcium Packed Snack

If your dog isn’t lactose intolerant, cheese can be a delicious and nutritious addition to their diet. Cottage cheese, in particular, is low in fat and easy to digest while providing a good protein boost. It’s a convenient snack that fits easily into your pup’s daily routine.

3. Carrots – Crunchy, Low-Calorie Treat

Carrots are one of the best dog-friendly vegetables around. Raw carrots help clean your dog’s teeth and are ideal for overweight pups thanks to their low calorie count. They’re crunchy, satisfying, and full of vitamins, making them a top contender in the best dog food for dogs conversation.

4. Yogurt – Digestive Health Hero

Unsweetened, plain yogurt rich in live probiotics can aid in your dog’s digestive health. It’s also high in calcium and protein. Steer clear of any flavoured or sweetened varieties, and always serve in moderation to avoid upsetting your dog’s stomach.

5. Eggs – Protein and Biotin Boost

Eggs are a powerful protein source, ideal for growing puppies and active adult dogs. You can feed them hard-boiled or scrambled (without seasoning), or even raw if sourced safely. Raw eggs, including the shell, offer natural biotin and riboflavin—but always check with your vet first before feeding them raw.

6. Green Beans – A Slimming Snack for Dieting Dogs

Trying to help your dog shed a few pounds? Green beans are rich in fibre and very low in calories, making them a perfect snack for dogs on a weight management plan. They’re filling and full of nutrients—just be sure they’re plain and unseasoned.

7. Apples – Vitamin-Rich Treat

Apples are a crunchy, refreshing fruit full of vitamin A and C. Keep the skin on for added nutrients, but remove the core and seeds, which contain trace amounts of cyanide. Sliced apples make for an easy and hydrating snack.

8. Fish – Fatty Acids for Skin and Coat

Cooked salmon and sardines are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids and protein. They support healthy skin, shiny coats, and brain function. Just make sure all bones are removed, and never feed raw fish to your dog to avoid parasites.

Bonus: Coconut & Peanuts

Coconut oil and meat are safe for dogs and can support skin health and immunity thanks to their lauric acid content. Peanuts, when served unsalted and shelled, are a safe nut option full of protein and healthy fats. Avoid all other nuts like macadamias and walnuts, which are toxic to dogs.

Support Your Dog’s Health with Expert Care

At Port Kennedy Vets, we understand the importance of nutrition and overall wellness. Our Wellness Programme is designed to keep your dog healthy, happy, and thriving for years to come. Contact us on 08 6555 5149 or visit our contact page to learn more.

Looking for more info on the best dog food for dogs or other pet health tips? Stay tuned for more articles from Port Kennedy Vets.

Also read –

Mandurah Today

Things to do near Port Kennedy

The Best Things to Do in Rockingham 

Also visit –

🐾 Leave your little friend with us when on holiday 

🦘 Explore Western Australia with the Go West Handbook

🐨 Australia’s Ultimate Travel & Work Guide with BBMLIVE

Saving Money on Your Pets Medical Costs

Saving Money on Your Pets Medical Costs

Saving Money on Your Pets Medical Costs: Our pets provide pleasure, companionship, and affection. On the other hand, they also need financial commitments, particularly for medical care. As a pet owner, you should always put your animal friend’s health first while also considering the expenses. In this post, we’ll look at a few different ways to save costs on your pet’s vet bills without sacrificing their health.

Saving Money on Your Pets Medical Costs

1. Invest in preventive care

Remember to take your pets in for checkups at least once a year. Regular checkups may detect health problems before they escalate into costly and time-consuming crises. Your pet’s age, health, and lifestyle will determine how often your veterinarian recommends visits.

Vaccines and various other forms of preventative medication

The best way to protect your pets from parasites like heartworm, fleas, and ticks is to keep them vaccinated and on preventative medicine. By being proactive, we can stave off illnesses that might otherwise be very expensive to cure.

2. Utilise wellness plans

In exchange for a monthly payment, some animal hospitals and clinics provide wellness packages for pets. These packages may include:

  • Preventative medicine
  • Dental cleanings
  • Yearly checkups

Compared to paying for each service separately, this may save you money.

3. Maintain good oral health

To avoid expensive procedures, it is important to clean your pet’s teeth regularly using vet-approved toothpaste to avoid dental disease.

Professional dental cleaning

Following your vet’s advice on regular professional dental cleanings will save you a lot of money compared to the cost of addressing more severe tooth problems down the road.

4. Ensure the Well-Being of Your Pet

Numerous health issues, some of which may be very costly to cure, can develop as a result of pet obesity. Keep your pet at a healthy weight by giving it the right food and making sure it gets enough activity.

Dietary Advice Consultation

To find out what’s best for your pet nutritionally, go to your vet. Sometimes, regular, affordable food can be enough if it meets all the requirements.

Health food guide for Dogs

Heartworm Disease And Treatment

Below we list our top simple and healthy dog snacks.

Carrots for Healthy Teeth

Raw carrots aren’t just for horses – they’re also a great healthy snack for your dog! Chewing carrots is excellent for your dog’s teeth and helps them to stay sharp. It is perfect for overweight dogs as they are so low in calories. Checkout our wellness package.

 

Cheese for a Protein Boost

Cheese can be an easy and healthy snack with lots of protein and calcium as long as your dog isn’t lactose intolerant. Cottage cheese is a perfect choice for dogs as it is very high in protein, low in fat and easy to digest.

Yogurt for Digestive Health

This one is quite specific, as you’re looking for plain, unsweetened, live yogurt. The live cultures and probiotics are great for your dog’s digestive health, and as with cheese, adding extra dairy to your dog’s diet means a boost of protein and calcium.

Eggs for Extra Calories

Your pup can enjoy eggs cooked or raw. Raw eggs can be given to your dog whole (preferably outside!), including the shell, as this contains a lot of great nutrients such as biotin and riboflavin. If you need more clarification on raw eggs, try a hard-boiled egg, peeled with no seasoning. High in protein and a good calorie boost for a growing pup!

Green Beans for Dogs

Green beans are the perfect snack for a vegetarian dog that needs to lose weight. The stringy vegetable is very high in fiber, which will help your dog to feel full, but it doesn’t contain many calories so it will aid in weight loss.

Apples for Vitamins

Chuck a chopped apple into your dog’s bowl at snack time to give it a daily dose of vitamins A and C. No need to peel it as the skin is where much of the nutrient content is stored, but avoid seeds as much as you can as these contain small quantities of cyanide.

Fish for Good Fats

Cooked salmon or sardine is especially beneficial to your dog as they contain good fats and amino acids. Ensure any fish you feed your pet is cooked, and remove all bones before to ensure there’s no risk of choking.

Coconut for Immune Protection

Coconut contains a fatty acid called lauric, which helps the immune system and can help in weight loss. You can feed your dog coconut flesh, coconut milk or coconut oil, but make sure they don’t get their paws on a whole coconut as the furry outer shell can cause problems if swallowed. Coconut also helps with bad breath and skin conditions, so this one’s an all-rounder!

Peanuts is a good source of Protine Protein

Peanuts are one of the only nuts that your dog can eat. Macadamias, walnuts and pecans are highly toxic to dogs, whilst almonds pose a choking risk due to their shape. Peanuts, however, are entirely safe and are a good source of protein and healthy fats. Ensure you feed your dog shelled, unsalted peanuts to keep this snack healthy.

Port Kennedy Vets offers a Wellness Programme to help you keep your dog in top condition and live a long, healthy and happy life. Call 08 6555 5149 or visit our contact page today to learn more.

Things to do in Rockingham

Boarding Kennels for small dogs.

The Importance of Pet Nutrition

Dental Care for Cats and Dogs

The Importance of Pet Nutrition: Ensuring a Healthy and Happy Life for Your Furry Friend

importance of pet nutritionThe Importance of Pet Nutrition Good nutrition is just as important for your pets as it is for the rest of your family. Nutritional requirements for your pet depending on their age, breed, size and health and will change over time. To keep your pets as happy and healthy as possible, follow our guidelines below.

Commercial vs Home Made Foods

Commercial foods are designed to meet all of your pet’s needs. Most include a mixture of meat, grains, vegetables and vitamins. If you prefer to feed your pet raw food then that’s fine too – just make sure it provides the right combination of energy, proteins, healthy fats and other necessary nutrients for your pet’s stage of life. Dry foods are good for the teeth while wet foods provide additional moisture to prevent dehydration.

Speak to your vet about the best feeding option, but in general, the choice of food is down to the personal preferences of you and your pet.

Does My Pet Need to Diet?

In Australia, one in three cats and dogs is overweight. Pets in this situation live shorter and less active lives than their fitter counterparts. Heavy pets tend to be less playful and energetic and will physically interact with their families less, spending more time lying around. Carrying extra weight also puts extra pressure on their limbs, joints and the heart.

If you suspect your pet is overweight then it’s important to do something about it now. Carrying just a few extra kilos can increase the risk of diabetes, heart disease, arthritis and joint problems, among other complications. You can do a basic check for obesity at home by seeing how easily you can feel your pet’s ribs – if they are difficult to feel then it’s time for a visit to the vet.

How Do I Put My Pet On a Diet?

Weight loss for your pet shouldn’t be too tricky. The keys to success include the right advice from your veterinary healthcare team and a commitment from you and your family.

The ideal weight for your cat or dog will be calculated based on its size, age and breed. Just like for humans, it’s important not to cause any extreme weight loss – a safe amount would be around 3-5% body weight loss per month. Once you know what you’re aiming for, you can start to feed your pet smaller portions of its normal food or use special lower-calorie pet food. You should also increase the amount of exercise your furry friend is getting every day. Sign up for the free weight loss clinic at Port Kennedy Veterinary Hospital for help every step of the way.

Treats

Dogs and cats love treats just as much as we do! There’s no reason that treats can’t be part of a healthy diet for your pet. Just make sure you pay attention to what they’re eating and make sure treats don’t make up more than 10% of their daily calorie intake. Instead of buying snacks at the supermarket, try treating your pet to fresh vegetables or fruit snacks such as green beans or banana slices, or bigger snacks like baby carrots, watermelon or apples for dogs. Just make sure you avoid anything high in fat or sugar and skip anything that could damage your pet’s teeth.

If you’re interested in discussing a diet plan for your pet, call Port Kennedy Veterinary Hospital or visit our contact page for more ways to get in touch.

Also, visit – 

🐾 Leave your little friend with us when on holiday 

🐨 Australia’s Ultimate Travel & Work Guide with BBMLIVE

🦘 Explore Western Australia with the Go West Handbook

Pet Nutrition Basics

Dog Dermatitis Assessment and Treatment

Pet NutritionIf you’re a pet owner, it’s your responsibility to make sure your dog or cat is getting the level of good food and nutrition they need to maintain good health and muscular bodies.

In the same way, that humans rely on food for energy, minerals and vitamins, your pet’s diet is the fundamental basis of good health and vitality. You’ll need to know the importance of certain food groups and nutrients in their diet for optimal pet well-being.

Read on for more information about feeding your pet to make sure your pet is eating a well-balanced and nutritional diet.

Providing Proper Nutrients for Your Pet

All animals require a balanced diet containing 6 essential nutrients.

Proteins, fats and carbohydrates provide our bodies with energy, while vitamins, minerals and water are necessary for other metabolic needs.

Read on to see why each nutrient is essential for your pet’s health.

  • Proteins – an essential source of amino acids, required by both cats and dogs, with cats needing twice as much protein as dogs!
  • Fats – the most important source of energy for animals
  • Carbohydrates – a vital energy source for dogs primarily, providing fibre and calories; too many carbs will be stored as fat in dogs and cats and can lead to obesity
  • Vitamins – healthy coat, nails, and assists in food digestion for healthy bones
  • Minerals – providing levels of sodium, magnesium and iron, for example
  • Water – the most critical ingredient, water accounts for between 60 to 70% of an adult pet’s body weight

A Balanced Diet for Your Pet

As you can see, it’s imperative to cover all nutrients to ensure your pet’s well-being.

You can do this by providing a well-balanced diet that includes the major food groups needed by dogs and cats. You can achieve this with high-quality premium pet food brands appropriate for the age and lifestyle of your pet.

Natural foods, in the way of raw meats, bones and vegetables, can be used to supplement pet diets. It’s best to choose high-grade raw meats for human consumption for the best nutritional value.

Professional Guidance for Your Pet’s Diet

If your pet is sluggish, low in energy or carrying a lot of excess weight, it’s probably best to talk to a qualified veterinarian about improving their diet. Your vet will recommend foods designed for your lifestyle and to help treat chronic conditions.

It’s always good to get regular vet check-ups for your pet, as preventative healthcare contributes to a happier, healthier life for your best mate.

At Port Kennedy Veterinary Hospital, your pet can receive regular professional care under an affordable monthly payment system that suits your budget and guarantees ongoing good health for your cat or dog.

Offering a range of wellness packages, your pet will receive regular check-ups to ensure ongoing good health and prevent illness and disease. With compassionate and skilled vets always on hand to guide you on areas such as diet and nutrition, you know your pet will be in good hands.

Also visit – 

🐾 Leave your little friend with us when on holiday 

🐨 Australia’s Ultimate Travel & Work Guide with BBMLIVE

🦘 Explore Western Australia with the Go West Handbook

The New Puppy Owner Guide

The Ultimate New Puppy Owner Guide: Tips for a Happy & Healthy Pup

Port Kennedy Veterinary Hospital Puppy Preschool

The New Puppy Owner Guide: Becoming a dog owner is a very exciting occasion – we bet you’re super excited about the latest addition to your family and can’t wait to get him or her home! Caring for a new puppy or dog is a great way for kids to learn about responsibility, compassion empathy and how to interact with other animals. Dogs offer a wealth of companionship and loyalty to people, as well as the opportunity for fun and increased activity. Life’s never boring with a dog in the house!

If your new canine friend is still a puppy there are some important things you’ll need to know, to ensure you’re giving him or her proper care and attention needed for the best start at a  long and healthy life.

To help you look after your new little canine friend properly, we’ve put together some important factors you’ll need to consider for your puppy’s well-being Kennedy Wellness Package has been designed for puppies and dogs to provide affordable health care for your pet.

Have a look at this practical owner’s guide about basic health and care for your puppies and dogs-

Bringing Your Puppy Home

It’s important to have a space already set up for your puppy before you bring him or her home. This will help them feel settled and safe, and allow them to rest and sleep in their own comfortable space.

Have some toys and playthings in their area to entertain them; this also helps them to know that this area is theirs. The laundry can be a good choice, providing a quiet room that isn’t a major thoroughfare of the house.

If you have children, they’ll no doubt be excited and wanting to play with this new family member. But make sure they know that puppy will need its sleep and quiet time, as it becomes settled in its new home. Supervise children, and introduce other pets gradually and carefully.

Exercising Your Dog

Regular exercise is very important for your puppy’s health and wellbeing. Make daily walks part of your new routine – your dog will look forward to exploring its new neighbourhood with you and will receive the stimulation and physical activity it needs to grow healthy and strong. Once the initial Vaccine course is completed, seek guidance from your vet.

Puppy Training

Dogs require more training than most other pets, so be prepared to invest time in your puppy’s behavioural development and socialisation. Between the ages of 3 weeks to 17 weeks is a particularly critical time, influencing their behaviour as adult dogs. Also by attending dog training at Port Kennedy vet owners learn what motivates ttheir dogs and different methodsto ensure great outcomes.

Puppy pre-school classes at this age can be great for learning to socialise with other dogs and people, in different environments.

Your puppy should also learn to entertain themselves at home, with playthings and toys to keep active and avoid boredom. You can hide toys stuffed with dog treats around the house, especially when you’re not at home.

Puppy Toilet Training

The best way to toilet train your new puppy is by reward-based positive reinforcement – giving lots of praise and a reward when they go in the correct place. Make sure this area is easily accessible and your dog has frequent opportunity to use the space.

Be patient with your puppy and don’t ever punish them if they’re not getting it straight away. Your training will be far more successful if reinforced positively and patiently.

Dog and Puppy Vaccinations

Your new puppy will need to be vaccinated to protect against infectious diseases such as parvovirus, distemper, hepatitis and canine cough. Some of these diseases can be fatal, so vaccinations are extremely important. We run Vaccinations for Dogs and puppies between at 6-8 weeks, then 12 weeks.

As well as vaccinations, you need to factor in desexing, microchipping, dental health checks, regular worming and flea control, as well as any emergency vet treatment in case of accident or illness.

Preventative Healthcare for Your Dog

Before you go ahead and adopt a new puppy or dog, make sure you’ve carefully considered whether you can responsibly care for them. You’ll need to invest both time and money into your dog’s wellbeing – owning a pet is a long-term responsibility so make sure you’re committed to looking after your new friend for life, providing a safe and comfortable forever home.

Port Kennedy Veterinary Hospital offers a range of affordable wellness packages that provide regular preventative care for your dog’s health. Regular check-ups ensure ongoing good health for your dog, and by preventing illness and disease in the first place you’ll also be saving money on potentially expensive vet bills.

Monthly payment plans will take a lot of the financial stress out of owning a pet, giving you 100% peace of mind that you’re looking after them properly, and have somewhere to turn to in case of emergency. You’ll also have compassionate and skilled vets always on hand to offer you guidance and support in looking after your puppy. Now go spend some time with your new best mate!

Also, visit – 

🐾 Leave your little friend with us when on holiday 

🐨 Australia’s Ultimate Travel & Work Guide with BBMLIVE

🦘 Explore Western Australia with the Go West Handbook