Pyramid
You may be well-versed in the human food pyramid, but do you know what a dog food pyramid looks like?
The basic building blocks of a dog’s diet
Protein (eg. beef, chicken, fish, lamb)
Fats (eg. flaxseed oil, coconut oil)
Vitamins and Minerals (eg. seasonal vegetables, organ)
Carbohydrates (eg. sweet potato, potato)
Water
Ingredients
Beef
Our 100% grass-fed Beef comes from New Zealand. Real beef is a high-quality red meat. It's an excellent source of protein and amino acids that builds and maintains your dog's muscles. It's also a natural source of glucosamine for joint health and mobility. Beef is an excellent protein source that is rich in B vitamins, especially B12, which is vital to the proper functioning of nearly every system in the body.
Lamb
Our Lamb comes from New Zealand and is an excellent source of protein and vital nutrients like iron, zinc, selenium and vitamin B12. Real lamb is a high-quality red meat. It's an excellent source of protein and amino acids that builds and maintains your dog's muscles. It's also a natural source of glucosamine for joint health and mobility.
Chicken
Our free-range, antibiotic-free Chicken comes from Thailand. A terrific lean protein source ideal for muscle growth and weight management, chicken is rich in selenium, an antioxidant that maintains healthy skin and joints and has been shown to fight cancer and other degenerative diseases. Chicken also provides B vitamins, which are essential for proper cell function.
Turkey
Our free-range Turkey meat comes from Australia. Turkey is loaded with natural minerals like iron, zinc, potassium, and phosphorous, and B vitamins and a highly digestible protein source for dogs. A close relative of the chicken, turkey meat is becoming a more popular choice of meat for dog foods. Like chicken, turkey is a lean, white meat that helps dogs build muscle. In addition, turkey-based pet foods may provide an alternative option for dogs with food sensitivities or food allergies to beef or chicken-based recipes.
Vension
Our Vension comes from New Zealand. It provides ample amounts of protein and is much leaner than beef, so it is especially nutritious for dogs, who don't need large amounts of dietary fat. In fact, venison contains about 75% less saturated fat than beef. Venison is a good source of B vitamins and minerals such as zinc, phosphorous, and iron. It maintains healthy energy levels for dogs and many dogs enjoy the taste.
Duck
Our Duck meat comes from Hungary. Duck meat is rich in iron and it provides pets with a lean, easy-to-digest protein source. Duck is also a great source of amino acids, which helps to support strong muscles. Foods formulated with duck are sometimes recommended for dogs suffering from food sensitivities or food allergies. Some dogs are allergic to chicken or beef in dog foods, so switching to a food with a more novel protein like duck may help alleviate gastrointestinal upset or skin irritation. Duck meat also contains Omega 3 and Omega 6 for antioxidant protection against free radicals and vitamin A for eye health.
Weights Chart
Dear Paw's weight chart is based on the dog Pyramid Nutrients.
Use our feeding calculator below to determine how much to feed your dog daily. Keep in mind that this is just a recommendation and for reference only.
Remember, these are just guidelines. You know your dog(s) better than we do! If you would like to have a consultation on how to feed your pet, please contact us.
Awareness
Weight problems – If your older dog is carrying too may extra pounds, that will be a big strain on its heart and joints. Overweight also increases the risk of diabetes and other chronic health conditions. If your dog is overweight, then you should consider a lower calorie formula. However, if your older dog is too thin or can't seem to gain weight, then you should consider a calorie dense formula instead.
Kidney issues – If your dog's kidneys are unable to work at full capacity, then it is good to choose a dog food that has reduced levels of phosphorus. Canned wet dog food tends to have a lower level of phosphorus than dry food, but you need to choose a premium quality food.
Liver problems – For senior dogs with liver issues, you will be looking for a dog food with an above average amount of high quality protein, but also has simple carbohydrates that will be easy for your dog to digest.
Heart disease – One of the most important things for choosing the right food for a dog with heart disease is picking one with a low sodium formula. The protein should be around the moderate to high range with fats on the moderate to low end of the scale.
Arthritis and joint problems – As dogs get older, cartilage will begin to degenerate. Though arthritis is much more common in mature or senior dogs, young dogs can suffer from arthritis, too. You can incorporate a few key nutrients into your dog's life may help reduce inflammation and result in joint pain relief. By adding good omega 3 fats and antioxidants, your dog's body will be feeling its best.
Diabetes – If your dog is diabetic then you will need to look for a dog food that is high in meat based protein, moderate levels of fat and fiber and low levels of carbohydrates.
Finally, for accurate diagnosis and treatment options, always consult your veterinarian and ask them to recommend the best food and nutritional additives for your dogs.