So you buy the best dog food you can find for your dog. You’re diligent in checking the ingredients, knowing the source and keeping your dog healthy with just the right amount fed. But did you know your dog is missing out if only eating those little brown dry balls?
The solution? Easy! You don’t have to feed raw. You don’t even have to source fancy ingredients. (All of this can be found locally, most in your average grocery store!) What’s the trick?
Supplementing fresh food!
The top 5?
#5 Berries
Frozen blueberries are a staple in my freezer. Need a quick treat? I open up the freezer door and snag a few. These berries are rich in antioxidants which help combat rancid fats. (Something that lurks in dry dog food that isn’t eaten within 2 weeks of opening the bag) We also love making frozen pupsicles with berries.
#4 Veggies
I have a confession. I don’t remember the last time I ate a green leafy veggie but my dogs sure do. My fridge is packed full of healthy options and I’d brag and say it’s for me but sadly it’s all for the dogs!
Green leafy veggies and brightly colored veggies are so packed full of everything good. We all know veggies are good for us but they’re good for your dog to! Here’s the veggie recipe I feed my dogs. I throw it together in a food processor and then through the ninja bullet to make a green smoothie just for them.
Veggie Mix
1 bunch Kale
1 bunch Spinach or Collard Greens (Rotate to much spinach can cause some issues)
2 bunches parsley
2 apples
2 carrot bunches with greens
1 head of broccoli (some dogs get gas from broccoli or cauliflower)
A splash of organic apple cider vinegar
A couple Zucchini
1 bunch of Celery
(things you can rotate in cucumbers, pumpkin, squash, swiss chard, sweet potatoes, pumpkin seeds, kelp)
#3 Bone Broth
This is probably the most complicated of the list (And it’s really not very difficult at all to make) Think of this as a bowl of chicken noodle soup when you’re not feeling well. I always keep some handy in my freezer for any time my pups are having digestive upset or feeling under the weather.
How to make it? Well that could take a whole post so instead I’m going to direct you over to good old google. Dog’s naturally has a pretty nice recipe. Generally, you want to save bones from your meals, pick up the weird cuts at the grocery store, chicken feet and pigs feet are great as well, pile it all into a crock pot with apple cider vinegar and let it go low and slow for 24 hours plus.
#2 Eggs
This one is as easy as it sounds. Crack a raw egg over their food. That’s it. (Magic I know!) Locally sourced organic eggs are always going to be better of course but grocery eggs work just fine.
and the big kahuna #1 Sardines
Ewww I know. I know. The smell of these little fish can be pungent but they are so packed full of so many good things that I just plug my nose, keep a stiff upper lip and pour them into the bowl. (You can also feed them outside 😉 )
If you do canned you want in water no salt added. Fresh or Frozen whole sardines are even better!
Honorable mention Goat’s milk/Kefir
Kefir is packed full of such good gut bacteria. Answers brand raw dog food makes a really nice fermented goat’s milk (I know it sounds gross but the dogs love it) You can pick it up in any local pet store that isn’t a chain. (They can order it in for you just ask. Pet Stop in Ashland, Ohio carries it)
Add any of these or all of them throughout your dog’s diet and you’ll have a much healthier happier pet!
It really is that easy. Better nutrition plays a key role in everything your dog does, including learning! Giving them the best means they have better attention spans, memory and physical ability.
Need help figuring out your dogs nutrition? Contact us
Disclaimer: *I am not a veterinarian or nutritionist. We highly recommend you speak with your vet before implementing any new food*
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