Is your dog getting the nutrients they need?

“In my clinical experience, kibble is usually an inappropriate choice for long-term health,” says Dr. Muir. “The processing requirements to make kibble destroy phytonutrients and actually produce chemicals called acrylamides that may be toxic to pets.”

Kibble’s popularity is intriguing when you look closer. It contains between 30 to 60 per cent refined carbohydrates, despite dogs having zero requirement for carbs unless pregnant or nursing. Healthy fats are also ideal when inflammatory omega 6s levels are low and beneficial omega 3s high. Kibble’s ratio is in reverse.

“Dogs are amazing and can survive on a massive range of nutrients, however, to thrive, the science points to high amounts of omega 3, quality protein and foods that contain phytonutrients like polyphenols and antioxidants,” explains Dr. Muir.

Over the long term, a ‘surviving’ diet lacking in good amounts of quality food can contribute to health problems such as obesity, inflammatory conditions, diabetes, skin allergies and gut issues.

The Lyka difference

At a time when commercial pet food was the only convenient mainstream option for dogs in Australia, Dr. Muir didn’t hesitate to partner with Lyka founder Anna Podolsky, who was on a mission to transform the health of her Border Collie cross, aptly named Lyka.

Dr. Muir’s passion for animals, along with his veterinary expertise, has seen him develop Lyka’s wholefood recipes alongside Board-Certified Veterinary Nutritionists. Based on scientific research, longstanding evidence and their own expertise, Lyka meals are specifically designed to optimise your dog’s individual health.

“We have flipped dog diets on their head, by producing delicious recipes that are high in omega 3, low in omega 6, high in protein and low in carbohydrates.”

The protein sources are human-grade, and include a careful selection of grass fed, wild caught and high welfare varieties. Each of the six signature recipes, including turkey, chicken, beef, lamb, fish and kangaroo, contain a vibrant mix of colourful vegetables and fruits like broccoli, blueberries, and butternut squash. Meals even contain bioactive superfoods such as spirulina and turmeric, which may help to prevent food allergies and support joint, skin, digestion, and liver health.

Best of all, your best mate will absorb as much of this nutrient-rich goodness as possible. These wholesome ingredients – almost exclusively sourced from local Aussie farmers – are lightly cooked at 90 degrees to retain the nutritional profile and prevent nasty acrylamides forming.

The proof is in the pups

Lyka was founded on the kind of undeniable results their five-star reviews continue to share, starting with the transformation of Podolsky’s namesake Border Collie cross.

The results were visible within weeks of her switch from commercial pet food – Lyka’s coat was glossier, itchy skin gone and tooth decay reversed.

Dr. Muir has the pleasure of seeing similar transformations in-clinic, noting how Lyka meals have addressed chronic health conditions that have proven difficult to treat for years, even with strong medication like cortisone.

“As an Integrative Veterinarian, I’ve witnessed first-hand dogs transitioning from kibble to Lyka. I remember one dog in particular who transitioned, and her specialist dermatologist was blown away by the difference to her skin health.

“Our customer reviews and testimonials highlight that the cases I recall are not isolated events, there is a trend that pet parents are reporting – seeing skin and gut issues almost magically disappearing even after years of suffering, along with huge vet bills, simply by switching to a wholefood diet!”

Tailored to your dog

Lyka meets your dog’s unique nutritional needs with custom meal plans and portion sizing, plus wholefood treats and evidence-based supplements. The service works on a subscription basis with free delivery, and you can pause or cancel at any time.

Use code SMH25 for a 20 per cent discount on your first Lyka box. Offer expires June 10 2023. Not available in conjunction with any other offer and valid for new customers only.