Diet
I would like to start out by saying that I am not going to tell you what to feed your dog.
I only suggest that you educate yourself about what is in the food you are giving your dog.
Check ingredient lists, and look at nutritional values ... the better you feed your dog, the more time you will have to spend with them!!
I only suggest that you educate yourself about what is in the food you are giving your dog.
Check ingredient lists, and look at nutritional values ... the better you feed your dog, the more time you will have to spend with them!!
Deciding on what to feed your dog should be more complex than just picking up a bag of dog food at the grocery store. If you read the ingredients of what is in that food, it can be astounding what is put into it. A lot of kibble has the nutritional value of a cardboard box. There are many things put into kibble that dogs just cant digest, or has absolutely no nutritional value to dogs.
If you check the ingredient list and see any of the following words in the first 5 listed, put the bag down and walk away!
If you check the ingredient list and see any of the following words in the first 5 listed, put the bag down and walk away!
- corn, corn meal, corn gluten (damage to liver and kidneys)
- wheat (creates allergies) - soy (creates allergies) - powdered cellulose (used in attic insulation) - powdered beet pulp (made from sugar beets, not red beets) - rice hulls (really??? - no nutrition) - chicken or beef by-products (never actual meat, but whats left after butchered for humans) - meat/bone meal (usually means blood, hair, hoof, horn, hide, manure, stomach contents) |
A Raw Diet
Dogs are carnivores, and their digestive systems were designed to eat mainly a raw meat diet. A raw diet provides a range of benefits for both your pet and you!
Kibble was based on the idea of "ship biscuits", which were made for people to eat while at sea, for more history on dry dog food, click here
One big benefit, is that you know exactly what is in your dogs food. Remember all of those
pet food recalls that caused devastating loss to many pet owners?
Teeth will be cleaner
Bone matter in the food helps naturally remove plaque and bacteria.
No more brushing your dog's teeth and significantly reduced vet bills due to gum disease or other dental issues.
No more bad breath because of cleaner gums and teeth.
95% of dogs and cats will have dental problems requiring correction at some point in their lives; feeding raw is a great way to combat these problems.
Glossier and fuller coats
A raw diet has the potential to get rid of or reduce hot spots and allergies.
Pets produce less waste
A raw diet has no unnecessary filler, so the pet uses most of their meal with minimal waste, meaning there is less clean-up for the owner.
Pets are more energetic
Pets spend less of their energy on digestion, because the naturally high pH levels in their stomach can process raw food quicker.
Reduced foreign matter from pet's digestive system.
Less chance of pets contracting disease from their food.
Hip dysplasia and arthritis are seen less in raw-fed dogs because of the high levels of calcium included in the diet.
Longer Life
Healthy food based on the requirements of your pet will give you more years with them!
Kibble was based on the idea of "ship biscuits", which were made for people to eat while at sea, for more history on dry dog food, click here
One big benefit, is that you know exactly what is in your dogs food. Remember all of those
pet food recalls that caused devastating loss to many pet owners?
Teeth will be cleaner
Bone matter in the food helps naturally remove plaque and bacteria.
No more brushing your dog's teeth and significantly reduced vet bills due to gum disease or other dental issues.
No more bad breath because of cleaner gums and teeth.
95% of dogs and cats will have dental problems requiring correction at some point in their lives; feeding raw is a great way to combat these problems.
Glossier and fuller coats
A raw diet has the potential to get rid of or reduce hot spots and allergies.
Pets produce less waste
A raw diet has no unnecessary filler, so the pet uses most of their meal with minimal waste, meaning there is less clean-up for the owner.
Pets are more energetic
Pets spend less of their energy on digestion, because the naturally high pH levels in their stomach can process raw food quicker.
Reduced foreign matter from pet's digestive system.
Less chance of pets contracting disease from their food.
Hip dysplasia and arthritis are seen less in raw-fed dogs because of the high levels of calcium included in the diet.
Longer Life
Healthy food based on the requirements of your pet will give you more years with them!
The biggest myth is "dogs choke on bones"
This is not true. Dogs will choke on cooked bones, they will not on raw bones. When the bones are cooked it makes them brittle and splinter easily, raw bones are quite the opposite, and they are very beneficial to a dogs dental health, the raw bones work wonders on keeping the teeth clean. And remember, dogs have been known to choke on kibble as well! The difference you will see in your dog is astounding!
Here are some great links if you're considering Raw Feeding:
Raw Meat Diet
Totally Raw Dog Food
Raw Dog Ranch
This is not true. Dogs will choke on cooked bones, they will not on raw bones. When the bones are cooked it makes them brittle and splinter easily, raw bones are quite the opposite, and they are very beneficial to a dogs dental health, the raw bones work wonders on keeping the teeth clean. And remember, dogs have been known to choke on kibble as well! The difference you will see in your dog is astounding!
Here are some great links if you're considering Raw Feeding:
Raw Meat Diet
Totally Raw Dog Food
Raw Dog Ranch
If Raw is just not for you
I get it, feeding your dogs a raw diet is not for everyone. Supplemented high quality kibble is a great alternative.
Even high-quality kibbles lack variety and fresh, whole-food nutrition. Mixing meat, eggs, and other "real" foods into your dog's meal helps boost your pup's intake of enzymes, vitamins, minerals and nutrients as well as providing some mealtime diversity
Even high-quality kibbles lack variety and fresh, whole-food nutrition. Mixing meat, eggs, and other "real" foods into your dog's meal helps boost your pup's intake of enzymes, vitamins, minerals and nutrients as well as providing some mealtime diversity
High Quality Kibble
Orijen
Acana Solid Gold Halo Evo Holistic Blend Canidae California Natural First Mate Wellness Eagle Pack Natural Balance Nutrience Holistic Horizon Canadian Naturals Innova Timberwolf |
Low Quality Kibble
Iams
Beneful Pedigree Ol' Roy Kibbles N Bits Purina Dog Chow Hill's Science Diet Hill's Prescription Diet Royal Canin Eukanuba Purina Pro Plan Sportsman's Pride Store Brand Dog Foods |
6 Ways to Improve your Dogs Kibble or Raw Diet
taken from All the Best Pet Care
Add digestive enzymes
Put a dollop of yogurt, cottage cheese, or other moist tasty food on top of the kibble, and mix the enzymes lightly in. Your dog will eat the enzymes in the first few bites, which will help digest the kibble eaten right after. Do this at every meal. Example: Good Digestion enzymes, probiotics & greens.
Add raw or veggies or fruit
This provides an antioxidant boost for all dogs, especially if they’re older or overweight. Raw veggies should be finely grated, ground in a blender or food processor, or juiced so the cellulose is broken down. Carrots, pumpkin, green beans, sweet potato, or apple.
Add raw or lightly cooked meat or eggs
Dogs evolved eating a diet of about 50% protein, which they obtained from their prey. Adding extra high-quality meat or egg protein reduces the overall grain content, and is especially good for active dogs or dogs that have become overweight from a high carbohydrate diet. Eggs can be raw or lightly scrambled.
Add some oils for essential fatty acids
Salmon oil is great for all dogs, containing essential fatty acids to strengthen the immune system, improve inflammatory conditions such as allergies and arthritis, and beautify skin and coat. Examples: Animal Essentials essential fatty acids gel caps, Life Line Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil, and Halo Dream Coat.
Add cottage cheese, yogurt or canned fish
Dogs love extra protein. Cultured dairy proteins and canned mackerel, sardines or salmon are good choices.
Feed raw, meaty parts of chicken or turkey
The bones of poultry are soft and pliable enough to be eaten whole, including wings, necks and backs. Raw bones provide calcium and other minerals in the proper ratios, as well as proteins, fats, and many other valuable nutrients.
taken from All the Best Pet Care
Add digestive enzymes
Put a dollop of yogurt, cottage cheese, or other moist tasty food on top of the kibble, and mix the enzymes lightly in. Your dog will eat the enzymes in the first few bites, which will help digest the kibble eaten right after. Do this at every meal. Example: Good Digestion enzymes, probiotics & greens.
Add raw or veggies or fruit
This provides an antioxidant boost for all dogs, especially if they’re older or overweight. Raw veggies should be finely grated, ground in a blender or food processor, or juiced so the cellulose is broken down. Carrots, pumpkin, green beans, sweet potato, or apple.
Add raw or lightly cooked meat or eggs
Dogs evolved eating a diet of about 50% protein, which they obtained from their prey. Adding extra high-quality meat or egg protein reduces the overall grain content, and is especially good for active dogs or dogs that have become overweight from a high carbohydrate diet. Eggs can be raw or lightly scrambled.
Add some oils for essential fatty acids
Salmon oil is great for all dogs, containing essential fatty acids to strengthen the immune system, improve inflammatory conditions such as allergies and arthritis, and beautify skin and coat. Examples: Animal Essentials essential fatty acids gel caps, Life Line Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil, and Halo Dream Coat.
Add cottage cheese, yogurt or canned fish
Dogs love extra protein. Cultured dairy proteins and canned mackerel, sardines or salmon are good choices.
Feed raw, meaty parts of chicken or turkey
The bones of poultry are soft and pliable enough to be eaten whole, including wings, necks and backs. Raw bones provide calcium and other minerals in the proper ratios, as well as proteins, fats, and many other valuable nutrients.
Most dogs will eat pretty much anything you put in front of them, but here is a
list of foods that are toxic to dogs:
Avocado
Bread Dough
Chocolate
Alcohol
Grapes
Raisins
Hops
Macadamia Nuts
Moldy Foods
Onions
Garlic
Xylitol
Mushrooms
list of foods that are toxic to dogs:
Avocado
Bread Dough
Chocolate
Alcohol
Grapes
Raisins
Hops
Macadamia Nuts
Moldy Foods
Onions
Garlic
Xylitol
Mushrooms