Little Baby - Velociraptor - Terrible Teen - Normal Dog?

Let's talk; Life stages in Dogs

0-12 Weeks - Still with Mummy

The first weeks (0-2 neonatal stage) of your dogs life play such a crucial role in their development for life. Puppies when they're born are blind, deaf and have no teeth. They are totally reliant on their mother for food and warmth/safety. Week 3 is all about your puppy finding their feet, this is when they will start to try to become a little bit more independent!

Once they hit 4 weeks (up until about 14 weeks) they will begin to grow a lot faster and really start exploring. They will be interacting with littermates, people and any other animals they may come across. This is when mum and littermates will start teaching each other about play but also when to stop if it is taken too far. It is critical to ensure they get ALOT of positive exposure in this time, to sounds, environments etc. to help them grow into well rounded adult dogs. By around 7 weeks pup will be weaned off of mum and they will start on their puppy food instead, this can be an exciting but messy time for mum and her human family. In this period your pup will also be learning to bark, so good luck!

12 Weeks-6 Months - New Beginnings

Through this stage your puppy will have boundless energy, they will want to investigate everything and get involved in whatever is going on! Unfortunately for you, this is also when they will start losing teeth. This does mean there will be some biting going on, it is important to redirect them to soothing toys or treats as they will be in discomfort. You may find they go off their food whilst they are teething, this is expected so do not panic, if you raw feed you can try offering the food partially frozen to try and soothe sore gums, if you don't feed raw, try a small bowl of some partially frozen blueberries with something like dog kefir, the cold will still help to soothe their gums.

You need to be consistent with your training through this period, it is possible - with consistency - to have your new puppy completely toilet trained within the first week of them being home! But don't lose hope, some dogs take longer to understand their new life!

You must continue with socialisation in this time, your puppy will still be learning about their new life and what it entails. You can be getting pup used to having their feet touched, their mouth looked at, all of this exposure early can help you down the line for vets appointments!

6 Months-2/3 Years - Terrible Teenager

This is a crazy time period for your pup. They are experiencing some big physical changes, their growth rate is slowing and they are becoming more muscular now and often seem like they are filling out their frame. Smaller breeds will reach their full size by 1 year, but larger dogs will continue to grow until 2-2.5 years.

Your dog is also experiencing some intense hormonal changes, these can make your dog seem less obedient but what is actually happening is that they are way more inclined to explore and interact and run around. They will likely take more interest in the people and other dogs around them. However they lack the knowledge and experience to be able to really control their reactions and actions. They will often struggle to calm down and can easily come across as quite chaotic.

It is important to keep going with your training, ALWAYS end on a trick or command they know so they end the training session on a positive note. It is easy to become frustrated and unfortunately this is the age most dogs end up getting rehomed. Keep your dog stimulated and try to keep everything positive, punishing a frustrated dog may cause the issue to worsen rather than improve.

2/3-7 Years - It's a Dogs Life

Once a dog has reached adulthood they tend to be fully grown and settled into their adult personalities. Once your dog is an adult, chances are they will love their routine. Playing games like food puzzles and continuing to learn new commands will both help them stay mentally fit. This is an excellent time to reinforce any training as they will now be in a more neutral mind set for the most part. It is important your dog still gets socialisation to ensure they maintain their social skills, it is easy to forget this and that is when behavioural issues can arise.

7+ Years - Golden Oldie

As your dog enters their senior years you may find that they are less active than they once were, they may begin showing signs of cognitive and generic physical signs of aging. They may lose some of their muscle mass and begin to experience common age-related health issues such as arthritis or decreased function of organs. With frequent vet checks you can pick up on these early and then work with your vet (or someone like me if you want a more natural approach) to manage the issues and give them the best quality of life. You may want to spoil your golden oldie and buy them a comfy orthopaedic bed to help with any achy joints. Things like hydrotherapy can help maintain their strength whilst not putting too much strain on the joints. Every stage of your dogs life should be filled with love and memories, as well as challenges along the way, but their unconditional love and trust makes it all worthwhile.

Diet and Supplements at Each Stage

First year of life - this is all about laying the foundations for a healthy dog and a long, fantastic life.

• Muscle building and growth - pups need a higher protein intake than adult dogs to support their growth, they also need a good amount of vitamins to aid their growing bodies. Puppies will have a larger required amount of food as they growl.

  • Protein (a vital macronutrient which is essential for the build and repair of tissue, production of enzymes and hormones, and just general bodily function. Found in mostly meats)

    • Animal based proteins are the easiest way to get protein into your puppy. Ensure you choose a diet with a high protein content. Look for 100% meat treats as well to help get the protein in! Keep an eye out for my natural treats blog, as well as my blogs on types of diet!

    • 100% plain, organic Greek yoghurt can be given to dogs in moderation to help boost the protein intake. However if your dog is sensitive to dairy then please avoid this suggestion.

    • Dog kefir is a fantastic option for protein as well as healthy bacteria for the gut, there are human variations of kefir however it is unknown whether the bacteria in these survive a dogs digestion process. The dog specific ones are designed to! Please see my list at the end for specific recommendations.

    • Offal is another fantastic way to add some protein in, even if you are not raw feeding there are ways to use offal even if you use it as treats. A lot of brands will sell dehydrated liver treats, and some brands will sell more exotic offal options too!

    • Bone broth is such an easy and yummy way to get some extra protein into your dogs diet! No matter what you feed your pup you can add bone broth, in winter you can warm it up and in summer you can freeze it into ice lollies! Or just use it as a topper for food, you can make it yourself or buy powders to dissolve to create the broth. Please see my list at the end for specific recommendations.

  • Vitamin B12, B1, B2 (B12 is essential for healthy nerve cells, red blood cell production and synthesizing DNA. B1 helps with energy metabolism and nerve function as well as overall health. B2 also plays an important role in energy metabolism and red blood cell production, it also helps maintain healthy skin, coat and eyes)

    • Raw eggs are a fantastic source of multiple vitamins but are high in B vitamins, they are an easy addition to any diet, and are a required essential if you are feeding a raw diet!

    • ORGANIC sunflower seeds can be ground down and added to your dogs food occasionally, they should only be given in small amounts though as they are not an essential part of a dogs diet.

    • Goat milk is an amazing addition to a puppies diet, it is full of healthy fats, protein, B vitamins and calcium. It is easy to add to the diet as well as most puppies will love it! It is also lower in lactose than cows milk making it easier to digest. You want to offer raw goat milk for the best benefits, or use a powdered form. Please see my list at the end for specific recommendations.

    • Offal is another fantastic way to get those B vitamins in, even if you are not raw feeding there are ways to use offal even if you use it as treats. A lot of brands will sell dehydrated liver treats, and some brands will sell more exotic offal options too!

  • Calcium and Phosphorus (calcium is essential for the structural integrity of bones and teeth which is why it is essential in puppies, phosphorus works with calcium in the bone formation. These are particularly important for large breed puppies as they grow faster. (The advised ratio is 1.2:1 up to 1.4:1))

    • Goat milk is an amazing addition to a puppies diet, it is full of healthy fats, protein, B vitamins and calcium. It is easy to add to the diet as well as most puppies will love it! It is also lower in lactose than cows milk making it easier to digest. You want to offer raw goat milk for the best benefits, or use a powdered form. Please see my list at the end for specific recommendations.

    • Raw meaty bones are the easiest way to add calcium into your dogs diet, even if they are not solely raw fed, you can offer raw meaty bones. It is advised to not feed weigh bearing bones as these are a lot stronger and may cause dental damage. When offering these monitor your pups faeces as if it becomes white and crumbly they have had too much bone (different dogs have different tolerances so it is down to you to monitor this)

    • Leafy greens such as spinach and broccoli can be a great way of getting calcium and phosphorus into your pup whilst providing some variety (not only using milk or bones). Always check the fruit or veg you are offering are DOG SAFE.

• Healthy fats - these are crucial for overall health but especially in puppies who are growing at such a quick rate. Healthy fats help provide energy, support cell structure and aid in vitamin absorption

  • Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids (found in fish, organic chia seeds, green lipped muscles and algae oil. Offer anti-inflammatory properties, cognitive benefits, heart and overall health and coat)

    • Raw oily fish is the most bioavailable source of omegas for your dog, lightly cooking these is also an option, some people feed them from the tin but this should be a last resort or occasional treat and ONLY TINNED FISH IN WATER, fish in oils can be inflammatory.

    • Chia seeds (must be ORGANIC) are a great way to get omegas into your dogs diet, it is advised to soak the seeds overnight in either water, goat milk or bone broth. This allows the seeds to expand and take on a softer texture. They are packed with nutrients, not only omegas but fibre, antioxidants and minerals (they actually contain more calcium than whole milk, more iron than spinach and more magnesium than most other seeds!)

    • Green lipped mussels are a fantastic source of omegas for your dogs. You can buy them frozen (ensure completely PLAIN) or you can find a powdered form. Please see my list at the end for specific recommendations.

    • Algae oils are the 2nd best to raw oily fish (I do not recommend any sort of salmon or fish oil, these have been shown to go rancid upon opening). Please see my list at the end for specific recommendations.

  • Saturated fats (found in animal products. Should not be overdone but are fantastic in moderation)

    • Meat is a great source of healthy saturated fats for puppies, these should not be overdone but offering some higher fat proteins is a great way to include these in the diet whilst also ensuring there is lots of variation. Using high quality meat ensures the fat is of a good ratio to the other nutrients found.

  • Monosaturated fats (found in plant products such as pumpkin and its seeds)

    • Pumpkin flesh is a fantastic addition to dogs diet in moderation, it is high in fibre, potassium and vitamin C.

    • Pumpkin seeds are also packed with fibre, antioxidants, zinc, iron, magnesium and more! They are also a great example of unsaturated fats to help support heart health. If feeding pumpkin seeds ensure they are 100% plain and only offer a few seeds, you can grind them to sprinkle over food if you would like to do this (especially good for smaller dogs who may try to swallow pumpkin seeds whole)

• DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid) - this is an essential omega-3 fatty acid, it plays a huge part in the health and development of dogs, particularly puppies to support the development of their brain and nervous systems. Puppies start off getting DHA from the milk from their mums but after this they require high protein, high fat diets to maintain the needed amount of DHA.

  • Green lipped mussels are a great source of DHA and can be fed in fresh form or powdered, both will give benefits, fresh is always best but powdered is a more realistic choice for most pet owners.

  • Chia seeds (must be ORGANIC) are a great way to get DHA into your puppy, it is advised to soak the seeds overnight in either water, goat milk or bone broth. This allows the seeds to expand and take on a softer texture. They are packed with nutrients, not only omegas but fibre, antioxidants and minerals (they actually contain more calcium than whole milk, more iron than spinach and more magnesium than most other seeds!)

  • Raw oily fish are the most direct way to get DHA into your puppy, these can be brought whole or in minces if you prefer.

• Easy on the tummy - puppies tend to have sensitive tummies as they are developing their gut microbiome. Fresh diets are definitely recommended to aid in this. It is advised to not offer rich proteins too early on as this can cause stomach upset.

  • Natural 100% protein treats are a fantastic option for not only slowly introducing new proteins to your dog but also ensuring you are not bombarding your new puppy with additives and preservatives. I will be posting a blog on natural treats soon so watch this space!

  • Less processed food is the easiest way to set your puppy up for success from the start. Highly processed foods have been shown to really upset the gut microbiome of dogs, which can lead to so many issues down the line. I understand it is not an option for everyone to feed raw or fresh, however I will be doing a blog going over ways to improve the diet regardless of food type, as well as what to look for in dog foods to get the best option you can!

  • Support for upset tummies is something that personally I always keep on hand, no matter the age of the dog. Things such as slippery elm bark, marshmallow root and white poplar bark can be fantastic ingredients for helping to line the gut and soothe symptoms of stomach upset. Please see my list at the end for specific recommendations.

Teenage phase - often dogs will get fussy as their hormones begin to run wild, this stage of life is all about getting enough food to keep up with the increased activity levels, whilst managing those hormones. Most of the puppy suggestions still apply so please read over these too. But here are some more naughty teen specific things to think about!

• Keeping them interested - teenage dogs tend to go through multiple fussy phases down to a few different things but especially hormones. Bitches will be getting their first seasons and dogs will likely be starting to really pick up scents of seasons as their natural instincts kick in.

  • Variety is key for dogs, ensuring they are fed a variety of proteins to keep meals interesting as well as making sure they are getting a mix of nutrients e.g. red meat and white meat.

  • Additives can help to entice a fussy teen, some examples of what you can start adding to meals for this are raw eggs, these are packed with nutrients and can be yummy (if they will not eat it raw you can part boil it or lightly scramble it). Bone broth is another option, it can be warmed up to make it smell more too, it again is packed full of nutrients for such a simple additive. Raw fish can be a stinky addition to help tempt a dog to eat, dogs often find the stinkier the food the yummier it tastes.

  • Using different bowls/hand feeding to train, bowls such as puzzle feeders or slow feeders can help to keep your teens brain working whilst they eat, some breeds (particularly smart breeds such as spaniels, shepherds, collies, any working breeds). Alternatively hand feeding your dog can help to build your bond and mean you can use part of their feeding allowance for their training.

• Maintain a healthy and complete diet - around this time the amount of food your dog is getting will be levelling out and they should have slowed their growing however they are likely more active than they were so this needs to be taken into account.

  • Food allowances are only a guide, it is always recommended to feed the dog in front of you. Start off with the recommended allowance for your dogs age and weight, and then watch their body condition score, on a scale of 1-10 we aim for a 5, however some dogs will sit at a 4 or a 6 and still be healthy. If you are noticing your teenage dog is looking on the lower end of the scale then gradually increase their food allowance and keep monitoring. Alternatively if you find they are looking like they are on the higher end of the scale, then reduce their food gradually and monitor. (If your dog has any SUDDEN weight loss or gain please book a vets appointment)

  • Getting a concrete diet in place is essential now, your dog is approaching adulthood so by now you should have chosen their forever food "plan", are you feeding raw, kibble, wet food, a mix? What works for you and your dog? Will you add raw components to a mixed diet? This is a great time to book in for a consultation just for some extra support on really concreting that plan in. We can take every aspect into account and come up with the best possible meal plan that works for you both.

Adult dog - in this stage of life prevention is better than cure. We should focus on generic health as well as preventing common "older dog ailments"

• Joint support - when your dog reaches adulthood it is advised to start some preventative joint support

  • Glucosamine is a naturally occurring compound found in cartilage, however it is also often given to help maintain joint health in dogs who are high risk of developing joint issues further down the line. Some great examples of foods which naturally contain glucosamine are -

    • Bone broth

    • Chicken feet

    • Beef trachea

    • Green-lipped mussels

    • Tail

  • Chondroitin is another naturally occurring compound which is found in cartilage. It helps to maintain elasticity and hydration of the cartilage. As dogs begin to age their body may produce less chondroitin, this can lead to joint issues and pain. It is often combined with glucosamine in supplements which aim to promote joint health in dogs who may be predisposed to joint issues down the line. It is also anti-inflammatory which can help reduce pain in dogs who are already suffering from joint issues. Some great examples of foods which naturally contain chondroitin are -

    • Bone broth

    • Chicken feet

    • Beef trachea

    • Green-lipped mussels

    • Pig ears

    • Tails

    • Duck feet

  • Collagen plays a crucial role in helping to maintain the structure and integrity of all connective tissues. This includes skin, tendons, ligaments and cartilage. Unfortunately as dogs age their own production of collagen decreases, this can be given as a general supplement to help with a range of health issues which may arise. Some great examples of foods which naturally contain collagen are -

    • Bone broth

    • Raw animal products (such as skin, cartilage and tendons)

    • Fish (raw is best but dried will still contain some)

    • Eggs (the egg whites contain an amino acid which aids collagen production)

  • Avoid over-vaccination there was a study ran in 1997 which included 4000 dogs. Of these dogs it was discovered that a high number of them developed joint/mobility problems shortly after vaccinations. The canine distemper vaccine was introduced in 1950, not long after that is when breeders felt the need to begin doing hip clearances on their breeding stock. Vaccination has been implicated in cases of polyarthritis in dogs. It is shown that vaccinated dogs could develop autoantibodies to their own collagen which would obviously lead to joint issues. You may want to look into titre testing your dogs rather than vaccinating them to the schedule the vets advise. Or book in with me if you would like a deeper dive and some more advice on the topic.

  • Omega 3 fatty acids provide anti-inflammatory benefits which can massively help with things such as arthritis. Some great examples of foods which naturally contain omega 3 are -

    • Raw oily fish

    • Algae oil (Please see my list at the end for specific recommendations)

    • Organic chia seeds

    • Flaxseed oil (contains ALA which dogs do not efficiently convert into EPA and DHA so not as good of a source but can be an option in moderation)

  • Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the easiest and best ways to ensure good joint health in aging dogs. The less weight the joints have to carry the better for them in the long run.

  • Turmeric has some fantastic anti-inflammatory benefits as well as helping to alleviate stiffness and pain in those joints. Used alongside other joint support it can be fantastic for your dog. Please see my list at the end for specific recommendations.

• Dental health - there is no replacement for brushing your dogs teeth, however there are somethings which may help. It is thought that around 80% of dogs above the age of 3 are showing signs of periodontal disease. This is completely avoidable if we just put in some effort to looking after our pups teeth.

  • Regular brushing is the most effective way to prevent dental issues throughout your pets life. It needs to be started as soon as possible. You should start with a finger brush, and then work your way up to a normal size dog toothbrush or a soft toddler toothbrush. Please see my list at the end for some specific toothpaste recommendations.

  • Dental treats can be a fantastic way to help clean teeth, however probably not the kind you're thinking of!

    • Raw meaty bones are often hailed as natures toothbrush, as your dog chews them they break up to help scrape off any build up and keep teeth clean, however bones should be size appropriate and purchased from a reputable raw store (I will be doing a blog on all things raw so keep your eyes peeled, I even have some discount codes to offer!) NOTE - BONES MUST ALWAYS BE RAW NEVER COOKED

    • Dried fish skins are often quite flaky which can help to keep teeth clean, although they can be quite stinky they can be really good!

    • Dried animal treats such as feet or trachea can help to scrape off some of the build up on your pets teeth as they chew.

  • Dietary changes can help to maintain good oral health in your dog. Limit high carb foods, avoiding root veggies, peas, chickpeas etc. as these can lead to inflammation and imbalances in the gut. Encourage chewing and ensure fresh water is always available to help aid saliva production.

  • Probiotics can help to replace any harmful bacteria in your dogs mouth with helpful bacteria, this can help to reduce the risk of periodontal disease and bad breath. Please see my list below for specific recommendations.

  • Colloidal silver CAN be used however it is strongly advised you work with a professional, either myself or a vet, in order to ensure you are dosing and using it correctly as incorrect or long term use can have adverse effects on cells.

• Complete diet - by adulthood your dogs diet should be solid. It should have all components it needs regardless of what you have decided to feed and your dog should have a set routine with it, whilst maintaining a healthy weight and getting the correct amount of exercise.

• Antioxidants - help a dog to combat damage that can be caused by free radicals, which could lead to things such as cancers, heart disease or cognitive decline. They also help support immune function, reduce inflammation (again linking back to our joint point), and promote healthy aging which is really all we can wish for our 4 legged family members!

  • Vitamin E - a fat soluble vitamin, dogs cannot synthesize it on their own so it needs to be given in their diet or through supplementation. A very powerful antioxidant. Immune system, skin, coat condition, cell function.

  • Vitamin C - can be synthesised naturally in dogs but it can be given extra in times of illness or stress. Immune support, joint health, stress and aging. (Excessive amounts of vitamin C can cause upset stomachs or bladder stone formation so only give if discussed with a professional like myself or your vet)

  • Beta-Carotene - occurs naturally in many fruits and veggies. Immune system, eye health, skin and coat, potential to prevent cancer.

  • Selenium - a trace mineral that can be found in soil and foods, vital for metabolism, immune response and reproduction in dogs. Thyroid function, immune support, cancer prevention, reproductive health. (0.1-0.35mg per kg. Discuss with professional like myself or your vet as we can figure out if your dog needs additional supplementation, too much can cause stomach upset and hair loss)

  • Astaxanthin - comes from microalgae (what makes shrimp, salmon, flamingos and crayfish pink), more powerful than vitamin C and beta-carotene. Joint health, immune system, brain health, eye health, heart health. (Follow labelled dosage, if using human assume dosage is for a 75kg human and adjust for dogs weight)

  • Colostrum - known for helping to build the immune systems of new-borns', but also very rich in antioxidants. Immune system, allergies, joints, digestive system, cancer, wound healing. (1/16 tsp powdered colostrum per 10kg of dog twice a day, best on empty stomach with some yoghurt or broth, daily for one month and then as needed. Topical mix with distilled water and apply to affected area)

  • Polyphenols - naturally occurring compounds in plants, help combat oxidative stress in dogs. Anti-inflammatory, immune support, cognitive health, cancer prevention.

  • Sources of anti-oxidants for dogs-

    • Blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, cranberries

    • Spinach

    • Bananas

    • Apples

    • Pumpkin

    • Sweet potatoes (as long as your dog is NOT yeasty at all or sensitive to carbs)

    • Broccoli

    • Turmeric

    • Bone broth

    • Green-lipped mussels

    • Eggshell membrane

• General health - ensuring through adulthood your dog is being supported for any issues they may be encountering (itchy skin, joint issues, reduced organ functions etc.) is essential as if not then they will have a reduced quality of life when they do become seniors. If your dog is not experiencing any issues then this is fantastic! It is just essential to keep on top of general health at this age.

  • If your dog is experiencing any sort of new symptoms then please do not be scared to get a quick vet check done. And then you are more than welcome to come to me for some natural support if you would prefer that!

• Gut health - in recent studies it is being discovered that the microbiome of the gut plays a key role in the generic health of our dogs. It has been shown to affect physiological functions, including digestion, metabolism, immune responses and it is even thought to affect behaviour and temperament. Through their adult life it is vital to ensure their microbiome is healthy and strong. I will be putting out a blog on this so keep an eye!

  • Ensure your dogs diet is rich in fibre and nutrients avoiding highly processed and low quality foods

  • Pre and probiotics being incorporated into the diet can help promote the growth of beneficial bacteria. Please see my list below for specific recommendations.

  • As much as you can avoid antibiotics, they can majorly disrupt the balance of gut bacteria (DO NOT GO AGAINST VETERINARY ADVICE IF ANTIBIOTICS ARE NEEDED)

Old Aged Paw-nsioner - in this stage of life we are focusing on maintaining all around health as well as focusing on any issues which may arise.

• General health - now that your dog is in the later years of their life it is all about ensuring they are not in any pain, are still living a great quality life, and any issues they may have are being managed. Unfortunately, just like us, the chances of new diagnosis do increase with age, but that doesn't mean the fun has to stop and it certainly doesn't signify the end of anything!

  • As mentioned above, please do not be afraid to book a vet check for any new symptoms you notice and then we can come up with a good solid road plan for you both!

• Lower calories - often older dogs won't be as energetic as they used to be so they won't require as many calories as they used to. It is important to keep older dogs at a healthy weight to avoid any unnecessary stress on their joints.

• Joint support - as with us humans often older dogs will need a bit of help with their joints. All of the points from the adult section still stand! But if you have any official diagnosis (e.g. arthritis) then we can get a bit more specific with support.

  • We need to focus on ensuring good levels of glucosamine, chondroitin, collagen and omegas. There are examples of all of these listed above to refer back to. I wont bore you by writing it all out again!

  • Ensuring our older dogs maintain a healthy weight is so important just for their general health and wellbeing but especially for their joints. Why would we put extra stress on joints if we can avoid it.

  • Turmeric again is a supplement option to help support our dogs joints. Please see my list below for recommendations.

• Hydration - people sometimes find as their dogs get older they seem less inclined to drink water. Obviously hydration is important at every life stage but sometimes we have to try a bit harder to tempt our oldies. This can be done in a variety of ways, sometimes dogs prefer to drink out of moving water so purchasing a water fountain can help entice them a bit more (I advise a metal or a ceramic water fountain as plastic will break down with use and be feeding your dog microplastics). Another way is offering some tasty versions of "water"

  • Bone broth is a fantastic way to tempt even the fussiest of drinkers, in winter you can even warm it up for them to help release the smells and give them a soothing warm drink packed full of nutrients and goodness.

  • Goat milk is another fantastic way to get some hydration into your pooch. Raw goat milk is the best as it hasn't lost any of its goodness through the pasteurisation however I have listed a brand below who offer a great powdered option.

• DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid) - this is an essential omega-3 fatty acid, it plays a huge part in the health and development of dogs, particularly older dogs to help maintain their cognitive function.

  • Green lipped mussels are a great source of DHA and can be fed in fresh form or powdered, both will give benefits, fresh is always best but powdered is a more realistic choice for most pet owners.

  • Chia seeds (must be ORGANIC) are a great way to get DHA into your golden oldie, it is advised to soak the seeds overnight in either water, goat milk or bone broth. This allows the seeds to expand and take on a softer texture. They are packed with nutrients, not only omegas but fibre, antioxidants and minerals (they actually contain more calcium than whole milk, more iron than spinach and more magnesium than most other seeds!)

  • Raw oily fish are the most direct way to get DHA into your dog, these can be brought whole or in minces if you prefer.

Recommendations

• Fettle - (goat milk powder, pumpkin powder, kelp seaweed powder, joint powder, calming powder and more!) Fettle are a fantastic brand for all life stages. I have used a variety of their products for my own dog! And I am over the moon to be able to offer an affiliate code and link. If you use the code AMBER15 you can get 15% off of your order! I also have a link here if you are ready to order: https://fettlepets.com/amber15 (This is an affiliate link so I will receive a percentage of the order for commission but it would meant the world if you did use it! As well as our code!)

• Dorwest - (tree bark powder, roast dinner toothpaste, bone broth, turmeric and more!) Dorwest are an amazing brand who focus on natural care for your pet. The website is easy to use and you can get a clear idea of what each product offers.

• Aniforte - (algae oil, tree bark powder, green lipped mussels and more!) Aniforte are who I use personally for my algae oil for my dog. I haven't tried all of their products however as above they are a great company who focus on the natural remedies, and I am looking forward to giving more of their products a go in the future.

• Alexander's Natural - (kefir, bone broth and more!) the kefir and bone broth from Alexanders Natural tends to be a big hit with pooches!

• Axels Elixir - (kefir, bone broth and more!) another brand who offer some mouth watering kefir and bone broth options!

• Karnlea - (slippery elm, bone broth and more!) Karnlea are another fantastic brand who offer a range of natural supplements for dogs, whilst I haven't used a lot of their products myself I know people who will never stop repurchasing!

• LUCAA+ - (pet probiotic dental spray and more!) the dental spray from these guys has shown some great results, it can even be sprayed on treats, chews or toys and is still said to work!

References

The Journey of a Lifetime: Understanding Your Dog’s Life Stages - AAHA (The Journey of a Lifetime: Understanding Your Dog's Life Stages) [6th August 2024]

Managing Your Adolescent Puppy - RSPCA - rspca.org.uk (Managing your puppy through adolescence) [unknown]

Understanding Your Dog's Nutritional Needs by Age – Poppy's Picnic (Understanding Your Dog's Nutritional Needs by Age) [27th April 2025]

Fishing for answers: is oxidation of fish oil supplements a problem? - PMC (Fishing for answers: is oxidation of fish oil supplements a problem?) [23rd November 2015]

Protein: What It Is, Types, Uses, Needs, Deficiency (What Is a Protein) [11th October 2025]

Vitamin B-12 - Mayo Clinic (Vitamin B-12) [13th August 2025]

Vitamin B1 (Thiamin): Foods, benefits, and deficiency symptoms(Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)) [unknown]

Riboflavin: What It Is and 4 Benefits(4 Health Benefits of Riboflavin) [21st August 2023]

What is the correct ratio of calcium & phosphorus? | Dr. Peter Dobias – Dr. Dobias Healing Solutions (What Is the Correct Ratio of Calcium and Phosphorus for Dogs?) [unknown]

Improvement of Arthritic Signs in Dogs Fed Green-Lipped Mussel (Perna canaliculus) - ScienceDirect (Improvement of Arthritic Signs in Dogs Fed Green-Lipped Mussel (Perna canaliculus)) [June 2002]

Are Pumpkin Seeds Safe For Dogs To Eat? Yes! Here’s What You Should Know - GoodRx (Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin Seeds? Yes, But Not Too Many) [25th June 2025]

A guide to DHA for dogs (A guide to DHA for dogs) [27th November 2024]

Quantifying differences in the canine gut microbiome between fresh and processed diets: A home-based, cross- sectional study with demographic diversity | Research Square (Quantifying differences in the canine gut microbiome between fresh and processed diets: A home-based, cross-sectional study with demographic diversity) [2nd October 2025]

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9 Sources of Natural Glucosamine (9 Sources Of Natural Glucosamine) [unknown]

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