We must never forget that dogs are descendants of wolfs, and that their DNA is 99% identical to wolfs. Domestic dogs still share many traits and behaviors with their wild ancestors. Both defend their territories and mark them by urinating on various sites. Common sites dogs mark are trees, rocks, and fence posts. Other dogs are put on notice when they come across these sites that have been marked.
Drawings by early humans reveal that canines were the first domesticated animal on earth. Another behavior domesticated dogs share with their wild ancestors, is to bury bones or favorite toys for future use. Their wild relatives sometimes bury a kill to hide it from other predators and then return to feast on it.
ABOUT 15,000 YEARS AGO
Dogs were found practically everywhere people were. However, we forget that the domesticated dog also retains from their ancestors the need for a natural primal diet. Our pooch’s ancestors hunted other animals for food and ate all of their meat “raw.” Additionally, if and when, wild dogs felt the need to alleviate any digestive discomfort they would eat some wild grasses. Wild grasses are not available for most dogs today.
CANINES ARE CATEGORIZED AS OMNIVORES
However, it does not mean that dogs can or should eat grains, corn or soy which is commonly found in many commercial pet foods. Other vegetables found in numerous pet food packaging like peas, carrots and potatoes are great for their human pet parents but not their pet dog. Yes, the domesticated dog is a member of the family but he/she is not human and has canine ancestral needs we need to know and fulfill.
The key thing to keep in mind is the health of your dog’s digestion. To ensure your dog has a long and healthy life, to it’s natural end, his/her must have a happy tummy! Dogs today are not living to the end of their natural lifespan. They have been dying three to five years sooner than dogs who lived with us before WWII.
PET FOOD HAS CHANGED MUCH IN THAT TIME FRAME
There was a time when our family dog ate scraps off the table and scraps from the kitchen. Then commercial pet food was developed in a can soon to be followed by dry pet food. Dogs and cats started to manifest many of the same human illness and disease. Renown veterinarian experts agree that supplementation is the answer to support a dog’s digestive health.
IT IS AMAZING TO SEE THE TRANSFORMATION
Experts see the transformation in a dog’s health issues with skin, coat, eyes, ears, bad breath, dental issue, and flatulence! No more suffering with vomiting or diarrhea, what a concept! And just as important, less vet visits, lower pet insurance costs too! Canine supplementation needs to include probiotics, prebiotics, digestive enzymes and other nutrients to mimic as close as humanly possible a dog’s natural primal diet.
No one enjoys forcing a dog to take a pill! The best way to address supplementation for your dog or cat is to find a powder formula to sprinkle on their food and mix it in. Look for a formula developed by a veterinarian. Finally, and just as important, buy a dog food label that is high in meat, no artificial coloring, and no artificial flavoring. Remember dogs cannot see colors the same way that humans can. Happy Tummy, Happy Trails!
Sources: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/d/domestic-dog/
The Nature of Animal Healing: “The Definitive Holistic Medicine Guide to Caring for Your Dog and Cat.”, Dr. Martin Goldstein, DVM