Subscriber Q&A with Board-Certified Veterinary Nutritionist Dr. Sally Perea

We asked our email subscribers if they had any burning questions they would like to ask Dr. Sally Perea, MS, DACVIM (Nutrition), a Board-Certified Veterinary Nutritionist at fresh dog food brand Nom Nom.

Hundreds of readers emailed questions to us, and after reading through them all, we narrowed them down and sent 12 to Dr. Perea to answer.

We occasionally invite dog food experts to take part in Q&As with us, such as our one with Dr. Lindsay Cassibry, where we answer questions readers send in. So if you want to know when the next one is and how to get involved, sign up for our life-saving dog food recall alerts. 

Once signed up, you’ll receive an alert every time there’s a dog food recall in the U.S. or Canada, as well as getting regular tips on dog well-being, diet and nutrition, plus information about exclusive dog food deals and discounts.

Read on for our interview with Dr. Perea.

What’s the best way for dogs to consume pre- and probiotics? For example, is it better to add kefir to their food every day or use an over-the-counter supplement? — Casey

I would typically recommend supplementing your dog’s food with a pet-specific pre-and/or probiotic supplement. This is mainly because they are designed specifically for dogs, and we have more research to support their efficacy. There are many supplements out there, so I would look for those that have clinical studies or research in dogs to support their products. Nom Nom has a range of probiotic supplements available for purchase with your subscription order. 

Is it important to switch from adult to senior dog food? If so, what age do you recommend making the transition? — Shaelyn 

While many senior dogs can do well on adult foods long-term, there are some senior diets on the market that are tailored to the needs of aging pets, with added antioxidant support, long-chain Omega-3 fatty acids, joint support, and adaptations to support aging kidneys, for example. I would typically start to think about mature or senior diets around seven to nine years of age, depending on the breed size — larger breeds sooner than smaller breeds due to their shorter lifespan.

What are the most common symptoms of dog food allergies and the most common causes? — Rebecca

The most common symptoms are pruritus — itching and scratching the skin, resulting in skin lesions — and gastrointestinal signs including chronic soft stools, diarrhea, or vomiting. Allergies can be due to fleas, environmental allergens, or food allergens. Your veterinarian can help you work through the different causes and find the best treatments for your pet.

Other than avoiding foods I know cause issues for my dog, what other advice do you have for dogs with food sensitivities? — Kristan 

The best advice is what you have already mentioned — feed your dog a consistent diet and avoid known ingredients that cause issues. If you want to introduce new foods, do so one ingredient at a time to help best identify any potential sensitivities that may be present. 

I can’t seem to get my dog to lose weight. Any advice on ways to satisfy a hungry dog on a diet? — Katie 

One helpful approach during weight loss is to use non-food “treats”, such as attention, praise, playing, and grooming to reward your dog. You can also set aside a portion of your dog’s meal to use as a treat during the day, or enrich and lengthen the feeding period by using puzzle bowls or feeders.

When it comes to dog nutrition, what should a dog’s diet include at its core to ensure a long and healthy life? — Katie 

A number of important essential nutrients are required in every dog’s diet, such as protein, amino acids, essential fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. To live a long and healthy life, I always recommend high-quality ingredients to deliver these essential nutrients and the inclusion of dietary fibers to support gut health. A source of long-chain Omega-3 fatty acids, such as those found in fish or algal oils, is also beneficial to support your dog from early development throughout their life.

What’s the difference between commercial fresh dog food and a homemade recipe in regards to nutrition? — Theresa

There is a wide variety of homemade and fresh pet food recipes, so the differences are potentially endless. However, many commercial fresh dog foods are similar to what can be prepared with a homemade recipe. With commercial fresh dog food, the essential nutrients are carefully formulated and the diet is supplemented with vitamins and minerals. Any homemade recipe should be evaluated by a veterinary nutritionist to ensure these same requirements are being met, and that an appropriate balance of vitamins and minerals are being added to the recipe. 

How do I know if my dog is getting the right nutrition if their food isn’t AAFCO-certified? — Pam

All pet foods that are complete and balanced should have what is called an AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement. This statement will state if the food is complete and balanced, growth, maintenance, or all-life-sages. If your dog food does not have this statement, then it’s best to consult a veterinary nutritionist to evaluate the food to help guide on whether it’s adequate for your dog’s essential nutrient needs.

Is beet pulp safe for dogs? — Betsey

Yes, beet pulp is a common source of mixed soluble and insoluble fiber that has been well-studied in both dogs and cats. It’s been shown to help support gut health and promote the production of short-chain fatty acids, which help to nourish large intestinal cells (colonocytes). 

My eight-year-old Pomeranian has diabetes. How can I support him best with nutrition? — Caitlin

For dogs with diabetes, consistency in nutrition can be very helpful in regulating blood glucose levels. I often recommend feeding the same amount of the same food at the same time each day. This consistency is important, particularly when managing insulin. For diet selection, I always recommend discussing this with your veterinarian. There are diabetic-specific diets that are typically adapted with higher protein and fiber levels, and limited in starch content.

Besides the size of the kibble, is there any difference between small, regular and large breed foods? Are the nutritional needs different between small and large dogs? — Victoria

Yes, there are differences across breed-size diets that can vary across different brands. Some common focuses for small breeds include increased palatability for “finicky” eaters, tartar control for small breeds at higher risk for dental tartar accumulation, and nutritional adaptations for small breeds at higher risk of lower urinary tract disease/uroliths. For larger dogs, there is often a focus on joint health and mobility and, for some breeds (like Labradors), the formula may focus on weight-management (lower energy density, lower fat content). 

What are your thoughts on a daily multivitamin for dogs? — Elizabeth

When feeding a complete and balanced commercial diet, I do not recommend a daily multivitamin, as vitamins and minerals are already added to the food to ensure it meets all the dog’s essential nutrient needs. Other supplements, such as those specifically designed to address joint health or skin and coat health, may be helpful to address specific needs in addition to the baseline vitamins and minerals already provided in the diet.