Dry dog food is convenient and easy to use, but it has some drawbacks: lack of digestive enzymes that are found in raw foods, too few essential fatty acids, lack of variety, and lots of grain that many dogs are ill-equipped to handle. How to compensate? Use the very best kibble you can find, and do some of the following:
Add digestive enzymes.
Put a dollop of yogurt, cottage cheese, or other moist tasty food on top of the kibble, and mix the enzymes lightly in. Your dog will eat the enzymes in the first few bites, which will help digest the kibble eaten right after. Do this at every meal. Example: Good Digestion enzymes, probiotics & greens.
Add some raw or lightly steamed vegetables.
Great antioxidant boost for all dogs, especially if older or overweight. Raw veggies should be finely grated, ground in a blender or food processor, or juiced so the cellulose is broken down.
Add some raw or lightly cooked meat or eggs.
Dogs evolved eating prey, about a 50% protein diet. Adding extra high quality meat or egg protein reduces the overall grain content. Good for active dogs or dogs that have become fat from a high carbohydrate diet. Egg can be raw or lightly scrambled.
Add some oils for essential fatty acids.
Salmon oil is great for all dogs, containing essential fatty acids to strengthen the immune system, improve inflammatory conditions such as allergies and arthritis, and beautify skin and coat. Examples: Animal Essentials essential fatty acids gel caps, Iceland Pure Salmon Oil, and Halo Dream Coat
Add some cottage cheese, yogurt or canned fish.
Dogs love extra protein. Cultured dairy proteins, canned mackerel, sardines or salmon are good choices.
Feed raw meaty parts of chicken or turkey.
The bones of young poultry are soft and pliable enough to be eaten whole – wings, necks, backs, etc. They provide calcium and other minerals in the proper ratios, as well as proteins, fats, and many other valuable nutrients. Even puppies can demolish them! Examples: R.O.A.R. ground chicken backs and whole and ground turkey necks, Natural Pet Pantry whole duck and chicken necks and chicken wings.
