The Top Health Issues With Aussie Dogs - An Interview with Lyka
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Does your pooch have a sensitive stomach?
Itchy paws that they keep licking, a cheesy smell to their paws or rashes on their skin?
They're not alone.
Lyka Veterinarian, Dr Darcy Marshall, says a lot of the time these issues are diet and environment related.
We sat down with Dr Darcy to ask the burning Q's on everything Aussie dog diet related!
So how was Lyka started?
Our founder, Anna Podolsky, struggled to find healthy food for her Border Collie cross, so she took matters into her own hands and created Lyka dog food, named after her pup.
When Anna’s dog was nearly 5 years old, she developed chronic health issues like ear infections, bald patches, tooth decay, and lethargy. Her itchiness was so bad she would scratch her mouth until it bled. It was a really difficult time for them both.
It dawned on Anna that her dog’s issues could be nutrition-related — Anna always felt healthy when she ate a fresh food diet, so it made sense that Lyka would too.
But when Anna looked into other diets, she realised there were no fresh food
options, only highly processed wet or dry food. So, she began to cook nutritious dog food at home. Within weeks, her health improved — the itchiness disappeared, her coat became glossy, and even her tooth decay reversed!
This transformation inspired Anna to launch Lyka, with a mission to help all dogs
thrive by eating real food. Anna’s pup is 15 years old and still going strong — I love seeing her patrol the office with the rest of our dog pack!
Wow! That's fantastic - so what are some of the most common issues dog parents come to you with?
Itchy skin and allergies are the top issues dog parents bring to us, and they’re often caused by food sensitivities or environmental allergens.
Lyka meals contain skin-enriching nutrients like omega-3, zinc, copper, and other anti-inflammatory and antioxidant ingredients like spirulina and shiitake mushrooms to support healthy skin and coats. We also avoid common allergens like wheat, corn, soy, and dairy that can cause skin flare-ups.
One of the best things about my job is when dog parents share stories about how Lyka has made a huge difference to their pup’s skin health and wellbeing. The "before and after" transformations are amazing.
What are some of the superfoods in Lyka products, and their corresponding health benefits for pooches?
Each Lyka meal contains different superfood ingredients, selected for their health benefits, so it’s hard for me to narrow it down to just a few. But here are 3 of our powerhouse superfoods:
- Turmeric is a powerful ingredient for humans and dogs. It contains the active
ingredient curcumin, which is a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant that can be helpful for joint problems like arthritis. We use turmeric in our Turkey meals.
- We include Kelp in all our meals because it has multiple benefits! It’s rich in fibre, protein and amino acids, supporting digestion, thyroid function and tissue repair. Kelp is also great for dental health, helping to reduce plaque and fight bacteria that causes bad breath.
- Spirulina is added to our beef bowl and is one of the most nutrient-dense
superfoods available. High in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties it helps to improve your dog’s immune system and fight infection. These superfoods are a great reminder that what’s good for us is often good for our
dogs too.
In your experience, what are some of the most common nutrients lacking in a dogs’ diets?
When it comes to macronutrients, many commercial dog food diets lack high-quality animal protein and often use inexpensive plant proteins like beans and peas. Lyka only use human-grade meat from sustainable sources like grass-fed beef and free-range chicken, ensuring the highest quality protein for your dog — just like the food we eat. You may have even seen us eating Lyka meals ourselves — I can confirm they’re very tasty!
And what are some of the most common health issues you see with dog breeds in Australia?
The top health issues for dogs include skin infections or allergies, ear infections, and gastrointestinal disease. In my veterinary experience in clinic, many of these issues are connected to food allergies or intolerances.
If you think your dog might have a food sensitivity, an elimination trial diet, supported by your vet can help to pinpoint the problematic ingredient. Lyka’s Hypoallergenic Pro is specially formulated for dogs with food sensitivities, using goat as a unique single protein. It’s ideal for an elimination trial diet.
Why should a dog parent choose Lyka over making your own food for your dog?
Making your own dog food at home can be rewarding but time-consuming and it’s tricky to get the nutrient balance right. Lyka meals are designed by veterinary nutritionists to be complete and balanced so your dog gets a nutrient-rich diet that meets their daily needs. We deliver meals to your door, so you get more time to spend with your pup — a win-win situation!
What are some things dog parents should be mindful of when selecting dog food?
Not all dog food is equal, so it’s important to know what’s in your pup’s meals.
The key to selecting your dog’s food is to look for quality ingredients in beneficial proportions. Dry food is generally low in protein and high in pro-inflammatory carbohydrates like wheat, corn, and soy, even if those labelled ‘premium’. Lyka is rich in high-quality animal protein and low in carbohydrates for optimal nutrition.
Most commercially available dog food is ultra-processed at high temperatures, which affects the nutrient integrity of the ingredients.
Lyka meals are gently cooked to retain the natural nutrients, textures, and aromas of the ingredients making them easy to digest and absorb, and more delicious to eat.
Deciphering the food labels can be tricky: our ingredients guide can help. I’m very
proud to work for Lyka because we believe in total transparency — the ingredients
and the nutrient breakdown of each meal are shared on our website — we’ve got
nothing to hide!
Supporting your dog’s wellbeing doesn’t stop at mealtime. Keep your walks fun and rewarding with our stylish ST ARGO treat pouches, and don’t forget to stock up on our nutritious dog treats for a wholesome snack on the go.
