BENEFITS OF SUPPLEMENTING YOUR PET’S DRY FOOD

When talking with our customers about their pet’s diet and dry food is the main food they feed their pets, I like to give some simple additions to make your pet’s diet better without breaking the bank.

I understand that dry food may be the only option you can feed your pet due to the cost of a raw diet and that you may have large dogs and or several smaller dogs. Keep in mind that even the best dry food is not an optimal diet for your pet. It will keep your pet in a constant state of dehydration; it will not clean their teeth; it is hard to digest, and most nutrients are cooked out and then added back in either through a synthetic supplement pack or food-based supplements. 

Keep in mind that adding up to 20 percent fresh food can help tip the scales to provide a healthier pet. Your dry food is already too high in carbohydrates, so when supplementing their diet try to stick with more protein. When adding additional meat, only add up to 20 percent if it is not balanced. If you add a balanced raw or balanced lightly cooked diet, you can add more. If you don’t want your pet to gain weight, reduce kibble a bit.

So, what are some easy things to add to your pet’s diet:

RAW EGGS: 

They’re a complete food source. Eggs are one of the most complete sources available of amino acids, the building blocks of protein. By adding eggs to your pet’s meals, you’re boosting the protein in their diet.

Eggs are a nutritional powerhouse, with a wide range of nutrients, such as 

• Vitamin A
• Folate
• Riboflavin
• Iron
• Vitamin B12
• Selenium
• Antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin
• Fatty acids

The health of the hen laying the eggs is very important. Ideally, you want your dog to eat eggs from organic, pasture-raised healthy chickens. Or source from your local farmer.

If your dog will not eat raw eggs, of course you can cook them. You can poach them, leaving the yolk uncooked if possible. Soft or hard-boiled, or scrambled eggs in some pastured butter, are good ways to cook eggs for your dog.

SARDINES:

Sardines are another good source of protein for your pet. Especially dogs (as cats should not have too much fish). They’re also high in fats and fish oil, which have been researched to be beneficial for dogs. 

The nutritional benefits of sardines and the fish oils found in them (and other fish) have been extensively researched in dogs and have been proven to be beneficial for puppies, adults, and even seniors who are on medication for certain ailments, such as arthritis. Keep it to about 10 percent of your pet’s diet.Benefits include:

• Improved mobility by reducing pain associated with ailments such as arthritis.
• Improvements in skin and coat condition
• Improved bodily response to inflammation.
• Improved nervous system development in growing puppies.
• If you can find a whole fish—including the head) it will be high in DHA which is great for brain health.

Like raw salmon, you should not feed raw sardines unless you trust the source and know they are safe for your dog to eat. 

LEAN MEATS:

Set aside the notion of people food and pet food. Good quality meat is meat and that is what your pet needs. Again, you can add up to 20 percent lean meat to your pet’s food. People say they don’t want their dog to beg at the table. Don’t feed them at the table, add it to their food dish when they eat. 

VEGETABLES:

Vegetables are great but keep in mind, they must be lightly cooked, frozen, or finely chopped for your dog to get any health benefits. Dogs do not produce enzymes to break down the cell wall of a vegetable. Your pet food should also have the right amount of fiber for your pet. Usually between two and five percent. You don’t want to increase their fiber too much. I also like to know what health benefits my dog is getting from specific vegetables—like carotene from carrots or selenium from broccoli. 

ANSWERS FERMENTED MILKS AND STOCKS:

Fermented Milks:

Answers raw milks for dogs and cats are fermented, providing billions of probiotics. Fermentation encourages easy digestion and provides live enzymes for maximum nutrient absorption, making it the perfect supplement for pets. Containing an extensive list of naturally occurring vitamins, minerals, live enzymes, and fatty acids. It’s no wonder these milks are Mother Nature’s perfect food. Serve alone or as the ultimate topper in your pet’s food. 

Fermented Fish Stock and Turkey Stock:

The Fermented Fish Stock and Turkey Stock with Fermented Beet Juice are an excellent biodiverse wholefood source. As superfoods with complex nutrients, they have easy-to-digest proteins, highly absorbable enzymes, and naturally occurring vitamins and minerals. An efficient and diverse nutrient profile that is superb as a nutritional aid for any meal.

If you would like more information, please stop in and I would be happy to assist you with your pet’s diet. 

Disclaimer –  Kristina McLeskey is not a Veterinarian. These are just general guidelines. If you have any concerns about your pet’s health, please see your veterinarian.