Nutrition : Raw Food, Dehydrated Raw Food, and Kibble
Dogs have been domesticated for 1000's of years, yet their digestive systems have not really evolved since they were hunting prey in the wild. Dogs, like their wolf descendants, thrive on a raw meat and vegetable diet.
There are so many benefits to feeding a biologically appropriate raw diet. These puppies have the advantage of being started off on an organic raw, nutrient dense diet with whole-food supplementation.
Below there is some info on Raw Food, Dehydrated Raw Food, and Kibble.
There are so many benefits to feeding a biologically appropriate raw diet. These puppies have the advantage of being started off on an organic raw, nutrient dense diet with whole-food supplementation.
Below there is some info on Raw Food, Dehydrated Raw Food, and Kibble.
Raw Food Diet
Nova's dinner
Fresh, raw food contains natural enzymes, probiotics, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals in their most natural form- which makes them fully digestible and easily assimilated by the body. Heating food alters it's molecular structure, often destroying nutrients and sometimes even turning them into toxins. The fresher the food, the more bioavailable the nutrients in that food will be. The enzymes present in raw food aid in the digestion process and are vital for detoxing as well.
(Trust me, raw bones will become your new bestfriend as they entertain and pacify your puppy, and keep them from chewing on things they shouldn't! )
Some Benefits of a Quality Raw Food Diet:
* All nutrients are bioavailable and easily assimilated, they get far more nutrition out of every bite.
* Puppies develop at a natural rate- no growth spurts that can lead to joint issues.
* Raw meaty bones naturally scale/clean the teeth negating the need to knock your dog out for dental cleanings at the vet's which is risky and expensive.
*Maintains a healthy weight
*Stronger immune system, helps to ward off internal parasites and external parasites (ie fleas)
* Eliminates or reduces chronic conditions and diseases such as ear infections, diabetes, cancer, arthritis, and hotspots. (Less visits to the Vet saves you $$$)
*Dogs enjoy greater mobility, have more energy and stay youthful longer.
*Feeding high quality raw food can be cheaper than high quality kibble.
* Eliminates or reduces that "doggy smell" and makes the breath fresher.
* Stool is smaller, firm, and has a less offensive odor.
*Longer life and better quality of life- healthier, happier dogs!!!
Feeding raw can be as easy as thawing out a pre-made bag over night and serving it up in a bowl, or as involved as mixing up the ingredients fresh for each meal. There are several companies that make pre-packaged meals with the correct proportion of meat, bone, organ, vegetables, and extras, and some even include supplements. You can also buy organic meats in bulk and add veggies and supplements in yourself to save a little cash.
For more on how to feed raw click here.
(Trust me, raw bones will become your new bestfriend as they entertain and pacify your puppy, and keep them from chewing on things they shouldn't! )
Some Benefits of a Quality Raw Food Diet:
* All nutrients are bioavailable and easily assimilated, they get far more nutrition out of every bite.
* Puppies develop at a natural rate- no growth spurts that can lead to joint issues.
* Raw meaty bones naturally scale/clean the teeth negating the need to knock your dog out for dental cleanings at the vet's which is risky and expensive.
*Maintains a healthy weight
*Stronger immune system, helps to ward off internal parasites and external parasites (ie fleas)
* Eliminates or reduces chronic conditions and diseases such as ear infections, diabetes, cancer, arthritis, and hotspots. (Less visits to the Vet saves you $$$)
*Dogs enjoy greater mobility, have more energy and stay youthful longer.
*Feeding high quality raw food can be cheaper than high quality kibble.
* Eliminates or reduces that "doggy smell" and makes the breath fresher.
* Stool is smaller, firm, and has a less offensive odor.
*Longer life and better quality of life- healthier, happier dogs!!!
Feeding raw can be as easy as thawing out a pre-made bag over night and serving it up in a bowl, or as involved as mixing up the ingredients fresh for each meal. There are several companies that make pre-packaged meals with the correct proportion of meat, bone, organ, vegetables, and extras, and some even include supplements. You can also buy organic meats in bulk and add veggies and supplements in yourself to save a little cash.
For more on how to feed raw click here.
Dehydrated Raw Food
Just add water
The next best option to raw food is dehydrated raw food. Dehydrating is a gentle process where food is never heated above body temperature therefore nutrients are preserved in their natural form. Because dehydrating removes the moisture it is a good idea to add water and rehydrate this food before serving.
If you're going to feed dehydrated raw, it's still important to give raw, meaty bones to your dog on a weekly basis and add salmon oil and other supplements.
I still feel fresh is best. The only reason I would feed dehydrated over fresh food is if I was travelling and didn't have access to a freezer. Still, dehydrated is better than kibble as the nutrients are still mostly intact. Plus, dehydrated raw food tends to be pricey.
If you're going to feed dehydrated raw, it's still important to give raw, meaty bones to your dog on a weekly basis and add salmon oil and other supplements.
I still feel fresh is best. The only reason I would feed dehydrated over fresh food is if I was travelling and didn't have access to a freezer. Still, dehydrated is better than kibble as the nutrients are still mostly intact. Plus, dehydrated raw food tends to be pricey.
Kibble
Fresh or processed?
Commercial kibble is made of discarded scraps from the meat, grain, and produce industries that are not fit for human consumption. The meat comes from condemned animals who have been pumped with antibiotics, steroids, and growth hormones, and includes animals like horses. The vegetables are often the cheapest ones available, which are usually the ones that have the least nutritional value. Kibble often contains cheap fillers like corn, soy, and wheat which are major allergens. Kibble is highly processed, preserved with hydrogenated fats, and filled with chemical additives such as food colouring. Commercial canned food is the same.
There are companies that make "good kibble" and canned food with quality ingredients such as organic whole meats and vegetables with supplements. Unfortunately some also include grains like brown rice. Dogs can't digest grains and in the wild would only ever eat pre-digested grains found in their prey's stomach.
As mentioned above, the trouble with any kibble is that it is heat processed. The more food is processed, the more nutrients are destroyed. Yes, it's the most convenient and can be the cheapest option, but what little you save in time and money today you will pay with your dog's health and your heartbreak tomorrow.
There are companies that make "good kibble" and canned food with quality ingredients such as organic whole meats and vegetables with supplements. Unfortunately some also include grains like brown rice. Dogs can't digest grains and in the wild would only ever eat pre-digested grains found in their prey's stomach.
As mentioned above, the trouble with any kibble is that it is heat processed. The more food is processed, the more nutrients are destroyed. Yes, it's the most convenient and can be the cheapest option, but what little you save in time and money today you will pay with your dog's health and your heartbreak tomorrow.
Supplements
When choosing supplements, go natural- supplements that are derived from whole foods are complete and easily assimilated where as synthetic vitamins and minerals are cheaply made and not designed for the body to utilize. For example, most calcium supplements out there are made of limestone, and rather than fortifying bone, this "calcium" ends up hardening arteries and glands.
Essential fatty acids are....essential! Fresh, quality salmon oil is an important addition to the diet, whatever you are feeding. EFA's feed the brain and prevent heart disease, lubricate the joints, and keep the skin and coat beautiful. Look for cold-pressed WILD Salmon oil.
Just like us, a vitamin and mineral supplement is important in making sure our body is getting everything it needs to thrive. Intensive conventional farming practices have depleted our soil. Vegetables do not contain the same quality of nutrients they once did, which is why it is a good idea to supplement our diets to make up for the deficit. I noticed a BIG difference when I started supplementing!
Green Min rocks!
A word to the wise...
Your veterinarian might question the raw food diet. Some vets are worried that owners will not provide a balanced diet to their dogs with a homemade diet. Some vets are concerned that bacteria may present a health risk. These are valid concerns which are addressed with safe handling practices and feeding a variety of quality meat, bones, and vegetables from a reputable source or buying pre-packaged raw meals.
My conventional vet does not recommend the raw diet, however my conventionally-trained holistic vets all strongly promote it as a basis for good health. In veterinary school they spend relatively little time covering nutrition and the seminars and conferences they do have are often presented by Pet Food Companies! Most studies and the schools themselves are heavily sponsored or funded by the pet food and pharmaceutical industries....makes you wonder who's interests they are really serving. It made me wonder, anyway.
My conventional vet does not recommend the raw diet, however my conventionally-trained holistic vets all strongly promote it as a basis for good health. In veterinary school they spend relatively little time covering nutrition and the seminars and conferences they do have are often presented by Pet Food Companies! Most studies and the schools themselves are heavily sponsored or funded by the pet food and pharmaceutical industries....makes you wonder who's interests they are really serving. It made me wonder, anyway.
Spaying and Neutering
If you are going to alter your puppy, it is best to wait until they are over a year to a year-and-a-half because the growth plates of the bones should be closed by then. Altering them too young can disrupt the hormonal balance and changes needed for healthy growth. However, the larger the testes and scrotum get, the more uncomfortable the post-op healing will be.
With females you can remove both the uterus and the ovaries, or just the ovaries. It is best to leave the body as whole as possible to allow for the body's organic processes to be uninhibited. Opt for a Ovariectonomy if you can.
I'm not proud of bringing more dogs into a world with too many already needing homes, and it was never my intention to breed Nova. I kept her intact to preserve the natural balance of her body as a whole, and not interfere with hormonal balance etc. I managed to keep her away from the boys for almost 5 years, however one weekend away from me was all it took.......... and we all know where my good intentions got me!