As pet parents, we have so many options for dog food. The knowledge around dog nutrition is expanding and we are no longer limited to low-quality kibble. Now we have all types – even raw dog food (this is why we get the question: do raw fed dogs need dog supplements).
While it’s exciting that there are high-quality ingredient dog foods on the market, the options can be intimidating. As a dog owner it’s important to do the research about what the best fit is for your dog’s health and what is sustainable for you.
What Are Raw Food Diets?
Many dog owners are turning to raw food diets for their dogs. This diet is an attempt to provide dogs with their nutritional needs in a more natural way. Dogs are very closely related to wolves and while dogs were domesticated, their beginnings did not involve cooked food in kibble form. Most likely early dogs were scavenging and eating uncooked protein.
These days, raw food diets come in a lot of forms. You can do-it-yourself and collect food items from your butcher and vegetables and grain from your grocery store. Other options include freeze-dried or refrigerated pre-made meal plans. Some pet parents do a combination of these.
If you are thinking about choosing a raw food diet do think about what is manageable for your lifestyle. Preparing a do-it-yourself raw food diet takes effort, including acquiring ingredients, preparation of ingredients, and thorough cleaning of work surfaces. You will also need to research your dogs nutritional needs as well and do your best to make sure the proportions and nutrients are being provided.
Even if you are feeding an already prepared raw diet from a dog food company, it is still important to create a well-balanced meal.
Do Raw Fed Dogs Need Dog Supplements?
Adding Dog Supplements
There are so many nutritional components to a dog’s diet that it can often be difficult to meet them when feeding a raw diet. Dogs need dog supplements to make sure their needs are being met.
Adding dog supplements to your dog’s diet is easy. There are multi-vitamin supplements that can be easily added. These supplements are made specifically for the dog body and often come in delicious treat form.
Make sure to read the instructions on the dog supplement bottles so that you can adjust the dose for the dog’s weight. You can also talk to your veterinarian to discuss your dog’s specific needs.
Types of Dog Supplements
Multi-vitamin: Your dog will benefit from a multi-vitamin with their raw diet. This supplement will cover most of their needs.
Joint Supplements: Joint supplements are a great addition to a dog’s meal to aid highly active or older dogs.
Omega-3: Omega-3 supplements will support joints, the immune system, and skin.
Probiotics: Probiotic dog supplements would also be an excellent choice to add to a raw diet in case of any bad bacteria that becomes unbalanced in the gut.
Calming Supplements: Another option is a Calming supplement to help a nervous or hyperactive dog find some calm.
Dogs Need Dog Supplements!
Healthy dogs are happy dogs and their diet is a huge part of that! Do raw fed dogs need dog supplements – well, for raw diet feeders, why risk missing a nutritional component? Dogs need dog supplements to complete a healthy, balanced diet.
