Enhancing Your Dog's Diet: Essential Supplements for Pre-Made Raw Grinds

Feeding your dog a raw diet is a commendable step towards ensuring their health and vitality. Many pet owners opt for the convenience of pre-made raw grinds, which typically follow the 80/10/10 ratio—80% muscle meat, 10% bone, and 10% organs. While this foundation is beneficial, it may not provide all the essential nutrients your dog needs. To bridge these nutritional gaps, incorporating specific whole food supplements is crucial.

Common Nutrient Gaps in Pre-Made Grinds

Even with high-quality pre-made grinds, certain nutrients might be lacking:

• Zinc

• Magnesium

• Manganese

• Iodine

• Vitamin E

• Vitamin D

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Addressing these deficiencies is vital for your dog's overall well-being.

Whole Food Supplements to Consider

Zinc

Zinc is essential for immune function and skin health. Canned oysters are a rich source, providing approximately 25 mg of zinc per ounce.

Serving Suggestions:

• Small dogs: ½ - 1 oyster

• Medium dogs: 1 - 2 oysters

• Large dogs: 2 - 3 oysters

Note: Ensure oysters are cooked or steamed to eliminate potential pathogens.

Magnesium

Magnesium supports muscle and nerve function. Incorporate nuts, seeds, wheatgrass, leafy greens, and mackerel into your dog's diet to boost magnesium levels.

Manganese

Vital for bone development and enzyme function, manganese can be sourced from green tripe and blue-lipped mussels, which are highly bioavailable.

Serving Suggestions for Blue-Lipped Mussels:

• Small dogs: 1 - 2 mussels

• Medium dogs: 3 - 4 mussels

• Large dogs: 5 - 6 mussels

Iodine

Iodine is crucial for thyroid health. Kelp and other seaweeds are excellent sources. Opt for products that specify iodine content to avoid over-supplementation.

Serving Suggestions:

• Small dogs: ⅓ scoop

• Medium dogs: ½ scoop

• Large dogs: ½ scoop

Vitamin E

An antioxidant that supports immune function, vitamin E can be supplemented through seeds, nuts, wheatgrass, or natural vitamin E drops.

Serving Suggestions for Vitamin E Drops:

• Small dogs: ½ - 1 drop

• Medium dogs: 1 drop

• Large dogs: 2 drops

Vitamin D

Essential for calcium absorption and bone health, vitamin D is abundant in small oily fish and pasture-raised meats. Regular inclusion of these foods can help maintain adequate levels.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3s, including EPA and DHA, support heart and brain health. Sources include shellfish, algae, and pasture-raised meats. Regularly incorporating these into your dog's diet can be beneficial.

Personalizing Your Dog's Diet

Every dog is unique, and their dietary needs can vary. It's essential to tailor their diet accordingly and consult with a canine nutritionist for personalized guidance. Avoid adding supplements without understanding their purpose and potential effects.

By thoughtfully supplementing your dog's pre-made raw grinds with these whole foods, you can provide a more balanced and nutritious diet, promoting their long-term health and happiness.

Make sure to check out Raw & Paw Naturals Supplement Line

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