What Can I Add to Raw Dog Food?

Raw dog food is primarily comprised of raw, uncooked meat, encompassing various types such as muscle meat, organ meats, and bones. This raw meat forms the foundation of the diet, providing essential proteins and nutrients. What sets raw dog food apart from other commercial options is its inclusion of raw vegetables and fruits, which offer additional vitamins, minerals, and fibre. These raw components contribute to a more natural and wholesome diet for your furry family member. 

Other diets like dry and wet food will cook their ingredients under high temperatures so the nutritional value reduces. This doesn’t just impact the protein elements of their diets but every part of their diet including the fruits and vegetables available. The vitamins and minerals they gain from their meals are reduced and they will usually have to eat more calories of a diet to get the same benefits.  

While carbohydrates are occasionally incorporated into raw diets, they typically require cooking to enhance digestibility for your pooch so the meal isn’t entirely raw. Carbohydrates like rice will give your pup an extra source of energy and are great for working dogs who need extra calories but isn’t necessary for every four-legged friend’s dish.

When considering raw dog food for your beloved pet, you have the choice between purchasing complete products or crafting homemade meals. Complete raw food products are carefully formulated to provide all the essential nutrients your pooch requires for optimal health. Going down this route offers convenience and assurance that your pet's nutritional needs are met.  

On the other hand, homemade meals provide pet parents with greater control over the ingredients used, allowing for customisation based on your fur baby’s preferences and dietary requirements. Crafting homemade meals can also foster a closer bond between pet and parent through the preparation process and you can “cook” together every day.  

Don’t worry, you don’t have to visit the butchers whenever you need your meat to make your meals, you can get ingredients easily with options like Natures Menu Frozen Freeflow Beef. With a selection of different protein sources, you can pick a single source that suits them and build their meals from there. Whether opting for complete or homemade raw dog food, ensuring a well-balanced diet is key to promoting your pup’s overall well-being and longevity. 

If you choose to prepare your pooch’s raw diet at home, it's essential to maintain a proper balance of nutrients. Balancing their diet depends on how much energy they need. The two most common options include:  

It all depends on whether you want to include carbohydrates in their diet or not. It's crucial not to overload the diet with too many additions, adding too many different ingredients can dilute the nutritional benefits of each meal. Additionally, rotating ingredients regularly ensures your pup receives a variety of nutrients and keeps dinner time exciting. A basic raw food calculator can help you work out a feeding amount for your pooch and then you just have to work out the percentage of meat and other matter to add based on that. 

Choosing the appropriate fruits and vegetables for your fur baby’s raw diet is essential for ensuring they receive a balanced and nutritious meal. Not all fruits and vegetables are created equal when it comes to canine nutrition. Some provide valuable vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, while others offer little nutritional value and may even be harmful in large quantities. Vegetables like celery should be out of the running before you even get started because they contain mostly water and offer very little in the way of beneficial vitamins and minerals. Instead, pick fruits and vegetables packed with nutrients so your pup can thrive on their raw diet. 

Incorporating nutrient-rich vegetables into your pup’s raw diet plays a vital role in promoting their overall health. Among the top choices are carrots, great for their richness in vitamin A, potassium, and fibre, which contribute to improved vision, strong bones, and digestive health. Carrots can be easily prepared by grating or pureeing, making them convenient additions to your pet's meals. Similarly, green beans offer a wealth of vitamins K and C, along with fibre, supporting healthy blood clotting, immune function, and digestion. Swede, peas and spinach are also powerhouses when it comes to adding extra fibre and nutrients to your dog’s dish.  

It's crucial to steer clear of vegetables like onions, which are toxic to dogs and may lead to harmful health effects. Instead, aim for a colourful variety of healthy vegetables to ensure your pooch receives a diverse range of nutrients to enhance their overall vitality and wellbeing. 

When selecting fruits for your four-legged friend’s meals, go for options that offer beneficial nutrients and antioxidants. Apples are a popular choice, providing vitamins A and C, whilst also serving as a natural teeth cleaner. Blueberries are considered a doggy superfood, rich in antioxidants that support your fur baby’s immune system and overall health. Bananas are another excellent fruit choice, offering potassium, vitamin C, and fibre. Avoid fruits with pits or seeds, such as cherries and peaches, as these can pose a choking hazard or contain harmful substances that can poison your pooch if not careful.  

If you want to feed raw and create your own meals but picking the right fruits and vegetables seems a little overwhelming. You can always get a pre-mixed bad like Natures Menu Frozen Nuggets Fruit And Vegetables and slowly try out new fruits and vegetables alongside it. You can work gradually to find their favourite fruits and vegetables or you can just continue using the premade mixture for a perfectly balanced meal. 

Incorporating supplements into your pooch's dinner is an effective way to address specific nutritional needs and enhance their overall health. Some of the most popular additions to a raw diet include salmon oil like the Lifestage Salmon Oil for Dogs. Salmon oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, salmon oil promotes healthy skin, a shiny coat, and supports cardiovascular health. Other supplements like probiotics can support a healthy balance of gut bacteria, essential for proper digestion, immune function, and overall well being. Depending on your beloved pet’s age, you can introduce specific supplements to aid with things like mobility. YuMOVE Joint Supplement for Senior Dogs are made specifically for older dogs who need some help with keeping their joints healthy and make getting around easier.  

If you want to take the plunge and start making healthy meals at home for your four-legged family member, you can find everything you need in store and online.