When Barkley was diagnosed with IVDD, everything changed.
Like many dachshund owners, we were frightened and overwhelmed. Once the initial shock had passed, I kept coming back to one question:
"What more can I do to support her health naturally?"
That question led me down a path of learning about canine nutrition, inflammation and wholefood feeding—not just for Barkley, but for Ace and Parker too.
Why We Switched to Raw Feeding
Like many dog owners, I believed that buying a more expensive bag of kibble meant I was feeding a healthier diet. But as I learnt more about how nutrition can influence overall health, I realised I wanted to feed foods that were as close to nature as possible.
Today, our dogs eat a varied raw, whole food diet made up of different meats, organs and raw meaty bones whenever possible. We use quality pre-made raw diets and mix it up with supermarket meats to add as much variety as we can.
Their meals are often topped with whole foods such as eggs, natural yoghurt and dog-safe fruits, vegetables and herbs. (And yes... they occasionally convince us that a little piece of cheese should be included too!)
Since making the change, we've personally noticed some wonderful improvements. The dogs maintain a lean, healthy body condition, which is especially important for dachshunds and dogs with joint concerns. Their coats are soft and shiny, their teeth stay much cleaner, and overall, they look vibrant.
The supplements we use every day
We don't believe there's one "perfect" diet for every dog. Every family, budget and dog is different. Our goal is simply to feed foods that are as natural and minimally processed as possible while making choices we can sustain long term.
Alongside their food, there are two supplements that have become part of our daily routine:
I like using these together because they complement each other rather than duplicating ingredients.
SEWA Dog Boost provides hydrolysed bovine collagen, which supplies amino acids that help support healthy connective tissues, including those found in joints, ligaments and the outer structure of the spinal discs. It also contains New Zealand green lipped mussel and hoki roe powder, providing naturally occurring omega-3 fatty acids that help support everyday joint comfort and mobility.
Complete Canine builds on this foundation with ingredients including MSM, glucosamine, chondroitin, turmeric, probiotics, pumpkin, green kiwifruit, antioxidants and a range of nutrient-rich wholefoods. Together, these ingredients help support healthy joints, digestion, skin, immune function and overall wellbeing.
For our three dogs, that combination suits each of their individual needs:
- Barkley After experiencing two episodes of IVDD, Barkley's long-term health is always at the front of our minds. We focus on keeping her lean, maintaining muscle through gentle exercise, and supporting her joints and connective tissues as part of her overall care. While no supplement can prevent or cure IVDD, we choose ingredients that support her mobility and wellbeing.
- Ace has always been our sensitive boy. He has seasonal allergies and a low-grade luxating patella. Along with avoiding known triggers where we can, keeping him lean, active and feeding a nutrient-rich wholefood diet are all part of how we support his long-term health. We also choose ingredients that support healthy skin, normal immune function and joint health as part of that overall approach.
- Parker lives to eat and, if given the opportunity, would happily sample just about anything! While he generally has a great appetite, he does have a sensitive stomach from time to time. That's why we like to include nutrients that support digestive health and help keep his gut in good shape. He's also an incredibly active little dog, so providing a balanced diet with quality wholefoods and added nutritional support helps fuel his adventures and support his overall health and wellbeing.
During winter, or whenever Barkley and Ace seem to need a little extra support, we also add PEA (palmitoylethanolamide). PEA is a naturally occurring fatty acid compound that has been studied for its role in supporting comfort and a healthy inflammatory response, making it another tool we choose to include as part of their overall wellness plan.
Our philosophy
Will nutrition prevent every health problem? No.
But we firmly believe that feeding a fresh, varied diet, maintaining a healthy weight, providing appropriate exercise and choosing high-quality nutritional support gives our dogs the very best chance of living long, active and happy lives.
After everything Barkley has taught us, that's a choice we'll continue making every day.
The information in this article is based on our personal experience and is intended for educational purposes only. It should not be considered veterinary advice. If your dog has a medical condition, always consult your veterinarian before making significant changes to their diet or supplement routine.