What should a raw diet include?
A raw diet should include organ meats, muscle meat, whole or ground bone, raw eggs, dog safe fresh fruits, vegetables, and a dairy product. Your dog does not need all of these each day. just balanced out weekly.
Organ Meats
Liver-is one of the most commonly- fed organs, Heart- the heart is high in amino acid called taurine. Stomach- Tripe is the lining of a ruminant’s stomach. Kidney-range of vitamins from B12, E and K.
Muscle Meat
Chicken- breast, thigh, chicken skin, leg meat. Pork- (only cooked) leg and shoulder. Lamb- leg and shoulder. Beef- any cut of beef, fatty cuts are good.
Whole or Ground Bone
MOST dogs over 6 -8 months of age can safely chew bones. (Use your own discretion, this is NOT professional advice). Safe bones to give (ALL bones must be raw, never cooked)- chicken wing tips, feet, necks, backs. Non- poultry- lamb, pork, venison and beef ribs, pork feet, and pork tail. Recreational bones (raw) are meant for gnawing, chewing and stimulation. These are typically femur/hip bones of cattle and often still have soft tissue attached.
Raw eggs
Farm fresh is best. Eggs are superfoods for dogs and an excellent source of vitamins and minerals including vitamin A and B, riboflavin, folate, iron, and selenium.
Fruits
apples (no seeds), bananas, blueberries, cantaloupe, cranberries, cucumbers, mango, oranges, peaches, pineapple, pears, raspberries, strawberries, watermelon, blackberries.
Vegetables
Bell peppers, broccoli, celery, Brussel sprouts (in moderation), carrots, green beans, lettuce, peas, sweet potato (peeled), spinach, kale, pumpkin, asparagus, zucchini (in moderation), cauliflower, parsley, beets.
Grains
Whole wheat, brown rice, barley, oats, millet, quinoa, rye, etc. grains are not necessary but can be given if your dog tolerates them.
Healthy add ons
Cottage cheese, yogurt, pumpkin, sauerkraut, beans, peanut butter are great to include to your dogs daily diet. Just do your own research to see what is pet safe.
Raw diet supplement
This is important, using a supplement will help ensure your dog is getting all the necessary vitamins and minerals they need for a complete diet. We love canine complete by Wholistic Pet Organics. It is easy to use, give once a day. If your dog is being fed kibble and a raw diet you will NOT need to add this supplement. Here you will find our favorite choices for raw diet supplements. (Which is a must if your dog is getting a raw diet to ensure they are getting all of the nutrients they need.
It is VERY important to make sure your dog is getting ALL the vitamins and minerals they need for a well-balanced diet; any deficiency could lead to health problems.
We are NOT professionals or veterinarians, this is our own experiences and research.
