See Spot Live Longer

Book excerpt: See Spot Live Longer combines the most recent nutritional science with easy-to-follow practical advice on how to help dogs live longer. Part One introduces the reader to a few of the many dogs and cats the authors have known whose lives have been transformed by fresh food diets. Part Two compares the radical difference between the natural diet of dogs, which includes a variety of high-protein raw foods, and the modern diet, which usually includes only high-carbohydrate, highly processed dry food. The authors discuss in detail the macronutrient (protein, carbohydrate, fat, water) and micronutrient (vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, enzymes) content of these diets, as well as the reasons that dogs can thrive on carrion and other high bacteria content foods. Part Three discusses the inevitable toxins and allergens in dry foods, especially those that use low quality grains, and how these substances may be major contributors to the cancer and allergy epidemic in dogs. Part Four shows the reader how easy it is to immediately help dogs live longer. The main emphasis is on how to improve the dog's diet, even using foods that would normally be thrown away. Also discussed are: avoidance of toxins (especially those close to the ground toxins that humans often don't see); the importance of proper exercise; and keeping dogs lean. The appendices provide detailed information about dry dog food recipes and costs, give advice on how to select dry food, discuss the question of missing hybrid vigor (and Steve's Charlee Bear? dogs), and explore possible origins of health problems.