In a 2021 study 'Frequency, breed predisposition and demographic risk factors for overweight status in dogs in the UK', it was found that 1 in 14 dogs registered with a vet are overweight. Pugs, Beagles, Golden Retrievers and English Springer Spaniels are especially prone to weight gain. 

The online veterinary resource Canine Arthritis Management states that "Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common cause of chronic pain in dogs. It affects 80% of dogs over the age of 8 years old, and potentially up to 35% of dogs of all ages. It is considered a welfare concern in companion animals such as dogs, especially if left untreated." Overweight and obese dogs are also more at risk from arthritis.

It's estimated by the Veterinary Cancer Society that 1 in 4 dogs will develop cancer and that almost 50% of dogs over 10, will develop cancer.

In a 2020 study 'Dog Owners' Perspectives on Canine Dental Health' , Periodontal disease is one of the most common diseases affecting dogs, affecting at least 80% in dogs over 3 years of age.

It's estimated that 80-90% of dogs over the age of 3 have some form of periodontal disease.

Alarmingly, dogs suffer with pancreatitis 25 – 50 times more than humans. Whilst dietary fat content is often cited as the primary cause, there is now mounting evidence to show that it is in fact dietary carbohydrates, such as those found in dry dog food which are causing increased inflammation in the body. Dr Conor Brady of Dogs First has written extensively on the subject and you can read more here.

According to an article in Companion Life in 2021, skin issues were the number one reason for dog guardians to visit their vet and accounted for 20% of all insurance claims, with the average cost being between £483-£755 for treatment and ongoing prescriptions. 

All of these conditions can be supported with a fresh, species appropriate diet which focuses on reducing inflammation and increasing bioavailability of nutrients. 

It is becoming clear in the human nutrition space that eating a diet high in ultra processed foods is detrimental to our health and leading to increased inflammation and disease within the body, 
so it's no surprise that this is now becoming apparent in our canine companions too. 

Dogs, like their wolf cousins are carnivores and have little to no requirements for carbohydrates. As stated in the FEDIAF Scientific Advisory Board Carbohydrate Expert Review  "Neither cats nor dogs have an absolute requirement for carbohydrates; they need glucose but as carnivores are able to synthesize glucose de novo, from amino acids". 

When we consider that the majority of the highly processed commercial dog food on the market contains large percentages of carbohydrates such as cereals, grains, rice and potato we have to consider the impact they are having on our dog's overall health and wellbeing.

A 2017 study showed that modern day domesticated dogs will select a diet of 30% protein, 63% fat and 7% carbs, so whilst there is large variation on the difference in protein and fat ratios compared to that of a wolf (54% protein, 45% fat, 1% carbohydrates), the minimum carbohydrate amounts are still apparent. It is theorised that the differences in protein to fat ratios between the wolf and the dog, is due to the domestication process and the various feast or famine stages they would have dealt with during the pre-domesticated wolf ancestry stage, early domestication stage and rapid artificially selected diversification stage. As they evolved and adapted through these stages, the nutritional responses and macronutrient requirements will have changed so prioritising and consuming higher ratios of fat ensured they were able to survive.

It is also worth considering the impact of overuse of pharmaceuticals on our dogs too and there 
is now mounting scientific research to support taking a more mindful approach about 
how and when they are used.

• According to the 2024 WSAVA Vaccination Guidelines "Vaccines should not be given needlessly. Core vaccines should not be given any more frequently than necessary in adult animals. There is an abundance of peer- reviewed, published evidence showing that the duration of immunity (DOI) provided by most, modern, modified live virus (MLV) core vaccines is many years."  A titre test is useful tool in assessing vaccination requirements.
   
• A 2024 study 'Down-the-drain pathways for fipronil and imidacloprid applied as spot-on parasiticides to dogs: Estimating aquatic pollution'  highlights the issues with using spot on flea and tick treatments and how they're damaging our waterways and environment. It is also important to consider the impact these treatments are also having upon the individual dog and their microbiome.