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Understanding the
Raw Diet and its Supplementation
Raw meat, fish and
eggs provide essential amino acids/protein, enzymes, antioxidants,
Vitamins A, C, D, E, K, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12, biotin,
choline, folic acid, inositol, iodine, pantothenic acid, paba, fatty
acids, caldium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, potassium,
chromium, copper, manganese, selenium, sodium, sulfur, vanadium, zinc
and CoQ10.
Raw veggies
provide enzymes, antioxidants, betacarotene, carbohydrates, fiber,
phytochemicals, Vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, C, D, E, K, boron,
choline, folic acid, inositol, iodine, paba, pantothenic acid,
calcium, chromium, copper, iron, iodine, magnesium, manganese,
molybdenum, phosphorus, potassium, silicon, sodium, sulfur and selenium.
Below are the
supplements that we do add to our dog's daily diets. Personally we
give Shaklee vitamins which are all organic and have been subjected
to strict clinical studies, unlike most store bought vitamins.
We have noticed a huge difference in our dogs using Shaklee. If you
are looking to purchase Shaklee supplements please contact me
directly or use the "Additional Links" links.
VITAMIN C:
If you are only
going to add a few things to your dog's existing diet, make it
vitamin C, B-Complex and Vitamin E. Vitamin C is an immune booster.
We give approx 500 mg of Vitamin C twice daily to our
Rottweilers. Vitamin C is water soluble, meaning that the body
will dispose of what it does not use. If you are finding loose
or watery stools, cut back on Vitamin C until they are firm
again. This will be your dog's optimal dosage. Vitamin C
is particularly helpful during times of stress.
VITAMIN E:
We supplement our
dogs with a maximum of 800 IU of Vitamin E daily but 400 is OK.
It is used for its' antioxidant properties. Vitamin E is not
water soluble and you can cause problems by over-supplementing.
B-COMPLEX:
B-Complex - with
all eight Bs promotes a healthy cardiovascular system. Shaklee
B-Complex is formulated so that the hard-to-absorb but critical B
vitamin, called folic acid, is readily absorbed.
KELP:
Kelp contains
vitamins A, B1, B3, B5, B6, B9, B12, C and E, plus zinc, viotin,
bromine, calcium, choline, copper, inositol, iodine, PABA,
potassium, selenium, sodium and sulfur. Its iodine content is very
good for glands and organs, especially the thyroid and liver.
ESSENTIAL FATTY
ACIDS (Flaxseed/Borage/Hemp/Cod Liver/Salmon Oils):
Flaxseed oil, fish
oil and eggs are a good source of the omega-3 fatty acids. Flaxseed
oil also contains omega-6 essential fatty acids. Fatty Acids
play a vital role in establishing a healthy lipid barrier in the skin
to block irritants and infections. Remember that oils need to
be kept refrigerated. The general consensus is that rotating
oils provides the best results.
APPLE CIDER VINEGAR:
Of the 22 minerals
essential for health, apple cider vinegar contains 19 in exactly the
right amounts. Included are potassium, phosphorus, sodium,
magnesium, sulphur, iron, copper, silicon and pectin. ACV also
contains natural malic and tartaric acids which are important in
fighting body toxins and inhibiting unfriendly bacteria. There
are claims that the additional acidity of ACV helps the digestion process.
GARLIC:
We include either
Kyolic liquid garlic or a clove of fresh garlic in our dog's morning
meals. Garlic helps to enhance overall health and is a natural
antibiotic, while also serving to keep both internal and external
parasites away. There are varied theories about feeding
garlic. We strongly recommend it.
YOGURT/PROBIOTICS:
Probiotics are
beneficial bacteria which are already present in a healthy intestinal
system, but we supplement with Animal Essentials Plant Enzymes and
Probiotics. Yogurt can also help re-establish normal intestinal
function. Yogurt is especially useful during times of stress
which includes diet change. It is also believed that Yogurt has
immune boosting properties.
CALCIUM:
It is our feeling
that a large breed dog (especially puppies) should never be
supplemented with artificial calcium. This is because it is
crucial that calcium is in the proper ratio with phosphorus.
Supplementing with calcium often sends the body into imbalance.
If it has been determined that a dog does need calcium
supplementation, we suggest eggshells. Save your eggshells,
leave out to dry and then crumble on food. If they are getting enough
raw eggs, chicken wings and backs etc they should be getting enough calcium.
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