Calcium plays a very important role in your dog's diet. Not only does calcium help build strong bones, it also helps heart function by supporting the contractions in the heart muscle, supports nerve transmission, muscle building and signaling, and helps with hormone secretion.

Read more on The Role of Calcium in your Dog’s Diet…

It is always difficult for us to see our dogs in pain! A very common form of pain is that from arthritis and joint issues. Sometimes arthritis and painful joint issues are caused by old age. Other causes may include conditions such as hip or elbow dysplasia or spondylosis of the spine. There are many causes of joint pain. This month we will discuss a few of the things you can do to ease arthritic pain and inflammation that causes pain in your dog.

Read more on Relief for Dogs with Arthritis, Inflammation and Achy Joints…

I am frequently asked, 'What supplements should I give my dog to maintain good health and which should I give to support a specific health issue?' So this month, I am going to suggest helpful vitamins and supplements you can offer your dogs that are safe for daily use and those that are beneficial for supporting specific health conditions.

Read more on Vitamins and Supplements: Uses and Dosages…

The Raw Diet and Toy Breeds

I have written many articles on the raw diet for dogs, but it was not until I got a toy dog, that I realized some modifications might be necessary! My breed, a Brussels Griffon, is not only small, but also has an undershot bite. As a result, I had to take a new perspective on the ease of feeding the smaller dog!

Read more on The Raw Diet and Toy Breeds…

This month's newsletter is written by Cathy B. She put together a great article from information recently published in 'Nature' on dogs and starch. Headlines stated that these studies show dogs have a greater ability to digest starches than wolves, but Cathy takes a careful look at the data presented to demonstrate what this really means, at least in explaining this gene and ability, and how much a starch digesting gene can affect carbohydrate digestion in a carnivore (dog).

Read more on Dogs and Starch Digestion…

For several years, the January B-Naturals newsletter has been a reference newsletter that contains compiled qualified and resourceful canine nutrition information by category. We consider this a great 'one-stop' resource when you need or want to find specific information on a health issue. As Lew writes to you each month about these common health issues and nutrition topics, we decided this year we would compile and group her most popular B-Natural's Newsletters to start out January 2013!

Read more on Newsletter Reference by Topic…

Skin problems Part II – Allergies or Food Intolerances

Last month we talked about allergies and food intolerances, their symptoms, tests that can be done by your veterinarian to determine the problem and the different ways your veterinarian might treat the symptoms. We also mentioned the importance of getting to the root cause of the problem or you could find yourself going around in circles just trying to treat the symptoms.

Read more on Skin Problems Part II – Allergies or Food Intolerances…

Itchy skin, redness, weepy eyes, head shaking, foot licking and gunky ears! Sound familiar? These issues seem to plague our dogs and despite the fact the issues are so common, the problems are both difficult to diagnose and cure.  

Read more on Skin problems Part I – Allergies or Food Intolerances…

Digestion issues are a common problem in dogs these days and a topic that arises when discussing dogs and diet. I often hear people tell me their dogs have a 'sensitive stomach' and react negatively to certain foods. This can mean a variety of things depending on the owner's perception and the history of the dog's health. The most common story is that the dog started out fine as puppy, but as they grew up diarrhea would occur, maybe with occasional vomiting; and over time the dog developed into a 'fussy eater'. If this sounds familiar to your dog's story, it is very important to look at both the history of the dog's diet and health.

Read more on Dogs and Digestion Problems…

Last month, in Part I of Carbohydrates and Low Glycemic Diets, we addressed many of the questions people ask about carbohydrates. We talked about the different types of carbohydrates, which ones are best to feed, which diets have and/or need carbohydrates and how the different carbohydrates can affect certain health conditions.

Read more on Part II – Carbohydrates and Low Glycemic Diets…