Whole Dog Journal offers complete resource for natural health care 

Where can you find in-depth articles about everything from dog training to alternative medicine to reviews on the latest toys and treats? In your mailbox each month, if you subscribe to Whole Dog Journal.

A recent issue, for example, contains articles detailing how to choose a dog, comparing veterinary insurance plans, explaining how (and why) to encourage your dog to swim, and teaching you how to train your dog to wait and stay. Each article is thoroughly researched and often includes helpful sidebars containing sources for items mentioned in the article or anecdotes that illustrate its points.

Of special note are WDJ’s annual reviews of the best natural dog foods on the market. They offer ingredient lists, commentary and rankings of dry, wet and even grain-free options. To be included, both foods and manufacturers must meet strict standards and fully disclose not only their ingredients, but where their foods are made – a requirement made even more important by the pet food recalls of 2007. Regular articles detailing raw diets are featured throughout the year, as well.

The publishers also offer a series of guidebooks on various topics such as positive training methods and preventing illness and injury, as well as a full-length handbook of dog and puppy care and training. (Read our review of the handbook.)

I, personally, have subscribed to WJD for years and have found it an invaluable resource in caring for my dogs. I have piles of back issues that I still refer to when I am in need of help. I have even used an herbal supplement I read about in WDJ to fight my dog’s cancer. (And with the help of this and other natural treatments, he lived for two years with a cancer that was supposed to take his life in 6-9 months.)

Visit Whole Dog Journal’s website and take advantage of their current offer to receive two free issues with your new subscription. You may just agree with me that it’s the only dog magazine you’ll ever need.