By: Stephanie Ross
Certified Professional Canine Nutritionist (CPCN)
Wilderness Raw
Did you know adding 10-20% fresh food to your dog's diet may improve their health? Fresh whole foods contain natural vitamins and minerals that are more bioavailable (easier for your dog to absorb). Even dogs fed kibble or wet diets benefit from fresh foods added to their meals! Kibble and companies use synthetic vitamins and minerals in dog food as required by AAFCO guidelines. However, dogs have a harder time utilizing them due to metabolic-process incompatibilities.
Adding Vegetables or Fruit
There are so many health benefits to adding fresh fruit or vegetables to your dog's diet. Each contains different essential vitamins and minerals.
Vegetables
• Spinach contains anti-inflammatory compounds and supports heart health. It also contains
alpha-lipoic acid and folate.
• Apiaceous vegetables like parsley, parsnips, and carrots contain polyacetylenes, which have the added benefit of detoxifying your dog’s body.
Fruits
• Apples contain prebiotics which help feed good gut bacteria. They also contain Vitamin C and insoluble fibre (do not feed the core or seeds).
• Pumpkin aids in digestion and can be added when your dog is experiencing diarrhea or
constipation as it contains both soluble and insoluble fibre. (pure pumpkin only).
*Caution should be taken if your dog has diabetes as fruits contain glucose.
Looking for Omegas
Adding Omega 3, this essential fatty acid aids in supporting brain function, and vision and helps maintain a healthy skin and coat. Liquid fish oils can be added however their shelf life is questionable as oils can become rancid due to oxygen exposure in storage containers. Be very cautious about capsules made for humans as they may contain Xylitol or Birch sugar, which can be lethal to dogs. Plant-based oils like hemp contain Omega 3’s. Also, consider pure marine phytoplankton, for its sustainability.
When adding whole fish, the smaller the fish, the better. Great options to add sardines, herring, mackerel, and smelts.
Goat Milk/Kefir
Is a great addition to any meal, it can be stored in the fridge for 14 days or thawed portioned and refrozen into bite-sized servings. Adding goat’s milk kefir not only adds hydration it also contains prebiotics and probiotics which aid in a healthy gut microbiome. Many marketed for dogs and cats also contain added fruits like blueberries, beneficial algae like spirulina or inflammation-reducing turmeric. You can always opt for plain as well and add your twist of fruits/veggies to your pup's liking.
Bone Broth
Bone broth contains lots of minerals like calcium, magnesium and phosphorus as well as vitamins K, B and A. It is beneficial for dogs who have diarrhea to help increase hydration and encourage them to drink while maintaining their energy levels. You can purchase bone broth or make your own. Bone broth is great when added to kibble, as it helps rehydrate it.
*Remember never feed any cooked bones as they can splinter and become brittle.
You don’t have to add everything every day. If you do add meal toppers (whole fruits/vegetables/fish) to your dog’s dish, make sure you reduce your pet's main meal component of their diet.
Please Note: This information is intended to provide information only. Each animal’s health situation is unique. This information is not intended for use in the diagnosis or treatment of specific health problems or diseases and should never be considered as a substitute for veterinary advice or care.
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