Top Canine Vitamins And Minerals
Today, many vets are recommending the best dog vitamins and mineral supplementation for dogs of all ages. These supplements are especially important for growing or aging dogs and those dogs who suffer from certain health conditions. Some supplements can even have an effect on helping your dog maintain a healthy weight.
It is always wise to consult with a vet or certified pet nutritionist before you begin supplementation. Your vet may need to run some tests to determine if your dog needs any additional vitamins and minerals, especially if for seemingly healthy dogs without obvious issues. If your dog has issues, you should also consult with a vet to make sure it doesnt interfere with any veterinary medicine they might be taking. Make sure to discuss your dogs homemade diet options with your vet. Below, I will talk about some of the top dog supplements.
Homemade Supplements For Dogs: Turmeric Paste
Heres what I use to make my pups very own Turmeric Paste :
*1 cup filtered water from our fridge
*1/4 cup organic cold pressed coconut oil
*1/2 cup organic turmeric powder
*1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
Turmeric is an orange spice from Southeast Asia & the Middle East with a plethora of benefits:
*Anti-cancer benefits
*Anti-Septic & Anti-Bacterial benefits
*Liver detoxifying benefits
I used to just sprinkle turmeric over the pups meals until I learned that turmeric PASTE actually increases the health benefits.
This is mainly due to the fact that it contains freshly ground black pepper. The ground pepper increases the absorption of the turmeric 20 times!
Best Supplements For Homemade Dog Food
Are supplements really essential for homemade dog food?
We know your furry children mean the whole world to you. So, it makes sense that being a pet parent, you do everything to keep them healthy. Well, the biggest concern in making homemade dog food is nutrient deficiency. Giving a healthy and balanced diet from home-cooked dog food is actually a bit tricky.
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Cooking Our Way To A Healthier Dog Diet
Ever since I started raising my own dogs, Id always wanted to make their food at home but thought it would be too expensive or too time consuming, or that they wouldnt get the nutrition they needed.
During the month of Bugs doggy depression, I vowed to make her precious life as comfortable as possible.
Both of my pugs had a range of health issues growing up, which I unfortunately found out were common for the breed.
My older one had persistent hot spots and itchiness that no commercial dog food could cure .
Bug was overweight for a while when she was younger, even though she ate the recommended amount of food for her target weight. Eventually, I settled on Wellness kibbles and they did well with that brand.
But, I wanted to explore other options. I wanted to give them real food fresh, nutritious ingredients that I recognized and could even eat myself.
Ive mentioned in my post on homemade whole grain chicken feed that the entire household all share the same whole grains and seeds that we buy in bulk, as well as the bounty that comes from our edible garden.
Everything our animals eat, we can eat.
When it comes to homemade feed for our laying hens, we stick to a tried-and-true formula that works for every layer: 16 to 17 percent protein , vitamins, minerals, and amino acids from a wide variety of grains and seeds, and free range of a pasture for weeds, greens, and insects.
Dogs, on the other hand, arent bred for a standard function the way chickens are.
Fats For Nutritionally Complete Homemade Dog Food
Fats are complex mixtures of fatty acids called glycerides, and all animals need a lot of fat in their diet for the proper development of their bodies. Certain fatty acids are essential for energy storage, help absorb vitamins, protect internal organs, and regulate body temperature.
The category of fats also includes Omega 3 and Omega 6 fats, which we find in fish, fish oil, flax, or hemp vegetable oils, all necessary for good growth and health.
Fats contain twice as many calories as protein and carbohydrates. But when an animal is fed too many calories, fat can be stored indefinitely, and the quadruped can gain weight if we do not check its diet. These fats can affect your pets pancreas and gastrointestinal system.
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Complete And Balanced Dog Food Diets
Its important homemade dog food is complete and balanced, meaning it meets all of the dogs nutritional needs. It is not important, however, that every meal be complete and balanced, unless you feed the same meal every day with little or no variation.
Home-prepared dog diets that include a wide variety of foods fed at different meals rely on balance over time, not at every meal. Similar to the way humans eat, as long as your dog gets everything he needs spread out over each week or two, his diet will be complete and balanced.
A human nutritionist would never expect someone to follow a single recipe with no variation, as veterinary nutritionists routinely do. Instead, a human would be given guidelines in terms of food groups and portion sizes. As long as your dog doesnt have a health problem that requires a very specific diet, homemade dog food should be the same way.
Keep in mind that puppies are more susceptible to problems caused by nutritional deficiencies or excesses than adult dogs are. Large-breed puppies are particularly at risk from too much calcium prior to puberty. See Puppy Food: Nutritional Guidelines to Maximize Health, for more on puppy nutrition.
Vitamin E In Dog Food:
Vitamin E is another vitamin that is very easy to NOT have in a diet that is not supplemented with additional vitamins/minerals. This is because vitamin e is not found in sufficient quantities in meat, or organs. In the wild wolves would actually obtain vitamin e by eating the gut contents of their prey! So if you see recipes without the addition of vitamin e supplementation OR without whole food sources of vitamin e, such as ground seeds/nuts, wheat germ oil, or dried oregano then the recipe is most likely deficient. TIP: Vitamin E is very sensitive to heat, so never add these supplements while cooking, they should always be added after the food is fully cooled, and ideally right before feeding.
Deficiencies in vitamin e can be severe over time, but are often very gradual long-term deficiencies are muscle weakness, muscle paralysis , poor vision and eventual bowel problems.
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Do Homemade Dog Food Need Supplements
Pet parents spend a lot of time thinking about how to best care for their furry companion. Dogs generally have complex nutritional needs. It is challenging to include sufficient variety to meet those exact requirements with the homemade food you prepare yourself.
When making home-cooked dog food, its important that the correct supplements and vitamins are added to formulate best nutrition for your pet. The main job of supplements for homemade dog food is to maintain a healthy balance in your dogs body. Think of it as keeping your dogs body in good shape. To ensure that your home-cooked dog food recipe is nutritionally complete, always choose a good supplement for homemade dog food.
Pet parent tip: If your pet is sick, its best to seek advice from your vet before putting your furry companion on homemade dog food additives.
Ingredients Needed For This Homemade Dog Food Recipe:
This DIY dog food made at home is filled with rich protein, vegetables, and healthy grains. Heres what youll need:
- Coconut oil provides a variety of health benefits for dogs, such as improving the skin and coat, increasing energy, aiding digestion, and reducing allergic reactions, just to name a few. And just like us, your dog needs healthy fats in their diet.
- Ground turkey will add necessary protein to your dogs diet, as well as important vitamins and minerals.
- Veggies this homemade dog food recipe uses a mix of zucchini, spinach and carrots. All are safe for dogs and will provide your baby with a variety of nutrients.
- Turmeric a dog-safe seasoning that also provides antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Egg for extra protein and nutrients.
- Rice a complex carb that provides energy and aids in gastrointestinal function.
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Do Dogs Need Nutrient Supplements
If your commercial dog food says its complete and balanced and meets the Association of American Feed Control Officials guidelines, then your dog should be getting all the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients he needs from his food. This means you do not need a dog multivitamin unless your vet has recommended one.
Be sure to check the labels and ingredients on your dog food to ensure its complete and balanced. And to ensure hes getting the appropriate levels for his age, always give your dog commercial dog food thats life stage suitable puppy, adult, or senior. He shouldnt need any nutrient dog supplements unless your veterinarian recommends them.
However, if your dog is eating mainly homemade dog food or a vegan diet, he may not be getting everything he needs. You should consult with your veterinarian to develop a plan to supplement your dogs homemade food diet. Your vet may recommend adding certain foods to your recipes or going with a dog multivitamin supplement.
Never give your dog human vitamin supplements. Dogs have very different nutritional needs than humans, and too much of certain vitamins can make dogs very ill. Suppose youre considering giving your dog species-specific vitamins. In that case, its essential to contact your veterinarian to ensure your dog gets everything he needs without overdoing certain vitamins that he may already be getting in his diet.
Are These All In One Supplement Safe For My Dog
There will be higher chances of imbalance when you add individual supplements one by one to your homemade dog food. Using a balanced all-in-one formula eliminates that risk and adds all the supplements in a fixed ratio.
You only need to take care of the overall quantity, which you can decide on while following the chart that comes with every product.
So, these are safe to use and provide all the benefits which they do needs. It would be best if you did a little bit of math to find the right quantity to mix in the dog food.
Vets recommend these supplements to balance homemade dog food.
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Know Your Dogs Nutritional Needs
Your dog needs specific calories, macronutrients, and micronutrients. Each dog is different and how many calories they need depend on a lot of factors. You should consult with your dogs vet or other board certified veterinary nutritionists to determine your dogs nutritional needs. Please do this before adding any vitamins or minerals to his diet.
Chicken And Veggies Instant Pot Diy Dog Food Recipe
If you have an instant pot, this recipe if for you and your pup!
Ingredients:
Directions:
1). To your instant pot, add the rice, and place the chicken breasts on top of the rice. Add the rest of the ingredients.
2). Next, add the water.
3). Cool on manual high pressure for 25 minutes.
4). Natural release for 10 minutes.
5). Manual high pressure for 25 minutes and natural release for 10 minutes.
6). Allow to cool and then serve to your dog. This meal can be divided up into individual servings and stored in the fridge or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
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How To Make Homemade Dog Food:
Making homemade dog food is a cinch! Heres a quick rundown of the process:
- Brown the turkey. Heat a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add in the coconut oil and turkey and sauté until it is browned and cooked through, about 10 minutes.
- Add the veggies. Reduce the heat to medium and stir in the zucchini, spinach, carrots and turmeric. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
- Mix in the egg. Turn off the heat and and crack in the egg. Let the egg cook in the hot food, mix it around to ensure it mixed through and cooked through.
- Stir in the rice. Add the rice and stir it in with the other ingredients until everything is well combined. Cool and serve!
Could Your Raw Fed Dog Be Lacking Important Vitamins And Minerals
Are you a raw feeder who worries your dog isnt getting enough nutrients? or maybe youre reluctant to switch your dog to a raw diet for fear he wont get the vitamins and minerals he needs?
Or perhaps youre spending a ton of money giving him synthetic vitamins and minerals out of a bottle. Ill tell you in a minute why thats not a good idea.
Ive got a great practical guide for you so you can make sure your dog gets the vitamins and minerals he needs from his food. And Ive divided it into two parts
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Can Dogs Eat Rice Every Day
Moreover, we all know that dogs don’t have the same digestive system as we do. And that’s why we should be extra careful on picking what to feed for our pups.
So can you feed your dogs rice every day? The quick answer is Yes! However, you should always be careful about how much rice are you putting in each day.
Dogs generally can have about 10% of their calorie intake a day. Adding more than this can add additional unwanted weight to your dogs or even digestive problems.
Moreover, if you’re planning a rice diet for your dogs, keep in mind that you should always buy high-quality rice. Always make sure that the rice is free of contamination.
Furthermore, there is still a difference in feeding white rice versus brown rice. You’re in good hands whether you pick white or brown, but brown has more nutritional value.
Brown rice contains insoluble fiber and natural bran oil that can the prevent effects of Alzheimer’s. Moreover, brown rice can also prevent cell damage.
Making Nutritionally Complete Homemade Dog Food
The simplest way to ensure your dog is eating well is to know what theyre eating, and choose high-quality fresh food. But it’s also important to provide your dog with all the essential nutrients they need to thrive. Home cooked dog food is not always right for everyone, as its critical to understand what nutrients should and shouldn’t be included which can take a significant amount of time. If you’re ready for the challenge, the first step is to source vet-approved recipes for homemade food that are complete and balanced.
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Five Best Supplements For Homemade Dog Food
Icebergon
Dog owners spend a lot of time thinking about how to best care for their beloved companion, and perhaps no other topics get more attention than those related to your dogs diet. Is the commercially prepared dog food youre feeding your dog really providing the best possible nutrition without added fillers? Would my dog benefit from eating homemade dog food? Keep reading for a discussion on the pros and cons of preparing and feeding homemade dog food to your pet.
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Azestfor Dog Vitamins & Supplements
Azestforâs vitamins for dogs makes homemade dog food recipes complete and balanced. A homemade dog food provides unsurpassed nutrition. The nutrients in the whole food are more readily bio available, easy on digestion and boosts energy. A balanced diet with plenty of protein can improve skin and coat, reduce dogâs itchiness and restore coats luster and sheen.
The dog supplement & mineral powder mixes easily with DIY dog food.
Suitable for Puppies, Adult & Senior dogs.
- Dog Vitamin Powder
- Natural Flavors, Kelp, Chia Seeds
- 21 Vitamins & Minerals for Dogs
- All Ingredients Guaranteed Non-China
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Skin And Coat Supplements
Many home cooked dog foods are Omega 3-6-9 deficient. Try including Omega 3 supplements into your dogs diet. These homemade dog food supplements promote stronger hair follicles and are superb for a healthy coat. These dog supplements for homemade food are also effective for:
- Healthy skin and a beautiful shiny coat
- Your dogs immune system
- Overall wellness of your pet
You can keep your pets skin and coat healthy with Kinpurpetcare Omega Skin and Coat Treats. Theyre formulated with Alaskan Salmon, Omega 3-6-9, Zinc, Biotin, and Vitamin C. The treat form makes it easy to feed your dog. These omega chews keep your dogs skin and coat shiny, soft, and healthy.
What Supplements Are Needed For Homemade Dog Food
The most important thing to do when you switch to preparing homemade dog food is to talk to a veterinarian or certified nutritionist. Youll want to monitor your pets progress and make sure your pup is making the switch comfortably and that the new food model is meeting all his needs.Inevitably, your veterinarian will recommend that you supplement your dogs homemade food with a few key things to meet certain nutritional requirements.
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Adding Vitamins And Supplements Is Not Always Easy
Whether you make homemade dog food or purchase a good commercial blend, you may need to supplement with vitamins and minerals. As a word of caution, always go with your vets advice before you add any vitamins and minerals to your dogs diet.
You will need to familiarize yourself with your dogs nutritional needs. Understanding dog nutrition means talking with your vet first. Giving your dog vitamins and minerals can be dangerous.
For instance, lets say your dog food already has 100% of the calcium your dog needs. If you feed him more calcium supplements, he ends up getting too much. Your dog could end up suffering from hypercalcemia.
On the other hand, if you feed Fido home cooked dog food that is lacking key vitamins and minerals and choose not to supplement, he could suffer from nutritional deficiencies that cause health concerns .
Unfortunately, there are too many variables for me to give you exact advice on what vitamins and supplements you need to add to your dogs food. You will need to consult with your vet to determine the exact supplements and amounts.