Many dog owners have adopted the raw diet approach to feeding their pups. A typical raw diet typically consists of muscle meat, organ meats, whole fish and raw bones.
Green tripe, the raw stomach of a cow or other ruminant animal, offers an excellent source of digestible protein; however, due to the risk of pancreatitis it should only be fed in very limited amounts.
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Protein
Protein is an integral part of your dog’s diet. It helps them build and maintain muscle while supporting immunity. Protein consists of amino acids.
Protein comes from both plant and animal sources, with animal sources like chicken, lamb and fish providing superior quality proteins with greater biological value and easier digestion for your dog.
Other high-protein food sources for your dog include quinoa, which provides 8.14 grams of protein per cup of grain-free nourishment. Buckwheat can provide your pup with 4 grams in each cup while soy provides another plant-based option that provides 8.14 grams.
Carbohydrates
Carbs are essential in your dog’s diet as they provide energy. Carbs also serve various important functions within their bodies such as DNA production, metabolism of proteins and providing dietary fibre.
Carbs provide energy for metabolism, with any excess being stored as glycogen in liver and muscle cells (physiologically providing long-term energy storage). Carbs also help control blood sugar levels while contributing to digestive health by providing a sense of fullness when eaten in moderation.
Dogs are capable of breaking down carbohydrates efficiently due to the genetic ability they possess for producing pancreatic amylase and brush border enzymes for this task. A healthy dog must consume a diet rich in different sources of carbs in order to ensure an active, fulfilling life.
Fat
Fat gets an unfair bad rap, but this macronutrient is essential to your pet’s wellbeing. It provides energy sources, aids with skin and coat health, transports vitamins A and E efficiently and supports healthy cells, tissues and hormones in his or her body.
There are two kinds of fats for dogs to consume: animal and plant-derived. Animal fats, such as poultry fat and beef tallow, provide saturated fatty acids while plant-derived oils like canola and sunflower provide monounsaturated and polyunsaturated varieties, providing valuable Omega-3 and Omega-6 essential fatty acids (EFAs).
Fatty fish is an excellent source of Omega-3 essential fatty acids (EFAs). Common examples include herring, sardines, salmon and anchovies. EFAs play an integral part in metabolic functioning – our bodies utilize more fat as fuel during rest or light-to-moderate intensity exercise due to increased demand on our metabolism from this essential nutrient.
Vitamins
All dogs require essential vitamins and minerals for growth, vision, cell function, metabolism processes and to help regulate immune systems.
B Vitamin are crucially important. Vitamin A promotes eye health while acting as an antioxidant; Thiamine and Riboflavin facilitate energy metabolism; Vitamin E supports cell functions while strengthening immunity; Biotin supports skin, coat and protein synthesis while Vitamin B12 aids the intestinal absorption of phosphorous and calcium while helping reduce signs of Rickets as well as other bone abnormalities.
This hypoallergenic dog food begins with real deboned turkey as its protein source and essential vitamins and minerals, featuring sweet potato as a great source of soluble fiber to alleviate constipation or diarrhea, plus coconut oil for digestion support, immune support and thyroid functioning.
Minerals
Your dog’s body cannot produce all of the organic compounds it requires – vitamins and minerals – itself; thus they must be provided through food sources, including leafy greens and organ meats.
Copper is essential in providing oxygen to your dog’s blood and supporting thyroid function regulation, as well as in pigmenting hair and skin normally. You can find copper-rich food sources like liver, brewer’s yeast, pork and eggs.
Manganese is another essential mineral, essential for your dog’s body to absorb protein and utilize vitamins B1, B7, C and E as well as healthy enzyme function. You can find manganese in eggs, venison, glandular meats and cereal germs.
