What can I feed my dog?
While the quantity varies between smaller toy breeds and larger Newfoundlands for example, there are some basic essentials to ensure your pooch has a happy, healthy life.
The first sign of poor nutrition shows in the dog’s coat
Their fur appears dull and thin, they shed more and the skin is often dry and flaky leaving a dandruff-like accumulation when you brush. The skin actually absorbs twenty five percent of all protein intake. Also of interest is that dogs on a raw diet have fewer allergic reactions. So with that said, you will discover that raw red meats contain high protein and nutrients, and when combined with some raw vegetables (thoroughly rinsed), make for a nutritious meal at dinnertime. Avoid feeding your dogs onion, rhubarb, tomatoes, chocolate or chocolate flavoured dog treats (why give them a taste for something they can’t have anyway?).
What I feed my dog:
I feed my boy raw red meat (whether it’s beef, lamb, or kangaroo) two evenings in a row, then a couple nights of tinned fish (tuna or sardines in springwater), both with chopped up celery and/or cabbage, cauliflower, bell pepper, or zucchini. He loves the tuna juice, so I add some extra water which he gladly laps up, and having fish keeps his weight under control. If I don’t have fresh meat available, I buy a box of frozen Big Dog Raw Meat packs (https://bigdogpetfoods.com/) which I can take out and defrost the day before for his din-dins. For breakfast, I feed him a raw cereal diet called Vet’s All Natural Complete Mix (https://vetsallnatural.com.au/complete-mix/) of a couple of scoops cereal mixed with just enough slightly warmed water the night before), which you can then add meat or even the odd raw egg to in the morning.
Treats:
Try a tablespoon of one hundred percent natural peanut butter in their bowl, then stand or sit back and watch as they try to lick the peanut butter off the roof of their mouths
My pup loves a peeled banana, and a frozen one is great in summer months, and I even freeze excess tuna juice into cubes or slice in banana with the juice for extra flavour and texture. I also give him a whole raw carrot as a treat for cleaning his teeth every couple of days, and a natural dental stick after our jog or walk. He also enjoys the left over corn cobs we have from dinner. If you want a fun treat that not only keeps them busy, but also keeps you entertained, try a tablespoon of one hundred percent natural peanut butter in their bowl, then stand or sit back and watch as they try to lick the peanut butter off the roof of their mouths – it’s worth even recording. Other great treats for chewing are air-dried pigs ears which I get from the local butcher or in a packet online or sometimes from the supermarket, and raw bones from your local butcher can also be a great treat, and keep your pup entertained for a while.
I think overall, it pays to do your research when it comes to what suits your dog, but make sure it is healthy and beneficial to them as it will reduce costly vet or grooming bills in the long run, and elongate their lives. Did you know that natural yogurt (which contains acidophilus) helps to prevent the overgrowth of yeast in the body? So give your dog a bowl once in a while.