Mini Groodle owner turns to a raw dog food diet to stop her dog licking paws

At Healthy Active Pet we absolutely love dogs and today we are meeting a Mini Groodle!

And although we manufacture human grade freeze dried dog food in regional Australia and have over 80 homemade dog food recipes - we are much more than just dog food and raw dog food recipes and are very much a dog lovers community.

We love to share stories from our community about your dogs and more importantly sharing how our dogs can life the longest and healthiest life possible.

And today we have are meeting the AWESOME Harvey - who is a Mini Groodle.

Thank you to Carly, their owner for talking to us

Healthy Active Pet : Tell us about Harvey your Mini Groodle

Carly : Harvey is such a beautiful old soul but has moments where it is as though he is a little playful puppy again. He is amazing around other dogs & children and simply puts a smile on your dial every day.

Healthy Active Pet : And what are his nick names?

Carly: Harv (generally), Harvey Spector, Harvinator

Healthy Active Pet : Has Harvey got any health issues?

Carly : Harvey is very healthy although gets ear infections frequently & also licks his skin and paws a lot and causes irritation. I would love to see his ear infections decrease & less irritated skin with healthy food/ gut health and a raw dog food diet

Healthy Active Pet : What is Harvey's favourite food?

Carly : He actually loves cooked/ mashed vegetables! Or meat of course. He does enjoy his kibble.

Healthy Active Pet : What food does he hate?

Carly : Zucchini or beans on their own.

Healthy Active Pet : Do you have any experience with a raw feeding diet for dogs

Carly : I do not have a lot of experience but definitely interested & have always cooked veges or mashed cooked veges for Harvey since he was a puppy (for 8yrs) and am really looking forward to Harvey eating a raw food diet for dogs

And you can check Harvey out on Instagram at @harvey_theminigroodle

You can also see our raw dog food diet recipe book here

How a raw dog food diet can reduce paw licking and itchy skin

A raw dog food diet may help stop paw licking in some dogs by addressing underlying issues that contribute to this behavior. Here's how:

1. Allergy Reduction:

Food Allergies: Dogs can develop allergies to certain ingredients commonly found in commercial dog foods, such as grains, chicken, or artificial additives. These allergies can cause itchy skin and paw licking. A raw diet often eliminates many common allergens, as it typically includes whole, natural ingredients without fillers or artificial additives.
Novel Proteins: Raw diets often introduce novel protein sources (such as duck, rabbit, or venison) that the dog has not been exposed to before, reducing the risk of allergic reactions.

2. Improved Skin and Coat Health:

Essential Fatty Acids: Raw diets are usually rich in essential fatty acids (omega-3 and omega-6), which are crucial for maintaining healthy skin and coat. These fatty acids can help reduce inflammation and itchiness, which can decrease paw licking.
Nutrient Absorption: The natural enzymes and unprocessed nutrients in raw food can improve nutrient absorption, promoting overall skin health and reducing irritation that leads to paw licking.

3. Reduction of Inflammatory Conditions:

Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Ingredients in raw diets, such as fish and certain meats, contain anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce chronic inflammation. This can alleviate conditions that cause paw licking, such as arthritis or other inflammatory skin conditions.
Digestive Health: A raw diet can improve gut health, which is closely linked to overall inflammation in the body. A healthy gut can reduce systemic inflammation, which may decrease the likelihood of paw licking.

4. Elimination of Artificial Additives:

No Artificial Preservatives: Raw diets typically do not contain artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors, which can sometimes cause allergic reactions or sensitivities in dogs. Eliminating these additives can help reduce the urge to lick paws due to irritation.

5. Enhanced Immune System:

Stronger Immune Response: A balanced raw diet can support a stronger immune system, helping the body fight off infections and allergens more effectively. This can reduce the instances of paw licking due to allergies or infections.

You can also see our raw dog food diet recipe book here

And if you are thinking about getting a mini groodle, here are some facts about them

5 facts about the Mini Groodle

Crossbreed Origin: The Mini Groodle is a crossbreed between a Golden Retriever and a Miniature Poodle. This combination results in a dog that often inherits the friendly and gentle nature of the Golden Retriever and the intelligence and low-shedding coat of the Miniature Poodle.
Size and Weight: As their name suggests, Mini Groodles are smaller than standard Goldendoodles. Typically, a Mini Groodle weighs between 15 to 35 pounds and stands about 13 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder. Their compact size makes them ideal for families living in apartments or homes with limited space.
Coat and Grooming: Mini Groodles usually have a curly or wavy coat that is low-shedding, making them a good choice for people with allergies. Their coats can vary in color, including shades of gold, cream, apricot, and red. Regular grooming is necessary to keep their coat healthy and free of mats, and they may require professional grooming every few months.
Temperament: Known for their friendly and affectionate nature, Mini Groodles are excellent family pets. They are typically good with children and other pets, and their social and playful demeanor makes them great companions. They are also intelligent and eager to please, which makes them relatively easy to train.
Exercise and Health: Mini Groodles are active dogs that require regular exercise to keep them healthy and happy. Daily walks, playtime, and mental stimulation are essential to prevent boredom and ensure they remain well-behaved. They are generally healthy dogs, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues such as hip dysplasia, eye conditions, and allergies. Regular vet check-ups and a balanced diet are important for maintaining their overall health.