When switching your pet over to fresh dog food, it’s essential that you consider their individual requirements and consult a vet or veterinary nutritionist to make sure that the transition process runs smoothly.
Fresh pet foods are designed for minimal processing, using steam heating at low temperatures and vacuum sealing to preserve nutrients and freshness. There is a range of formulas available, including grain-free options designed to meet the nutritional needs of smaller breed dogs and puppies.
Contents
Meat
Fresh pet foods tend to be more nutritionally dense than dry or canned varieties, providing essential proteins, amino acids and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids essential for healthy skin and coats.
Meat provides your pup with essential vitamins and minerals, especially iron which helps strengthen its immune system and fight stress-related effects. Furthermore, meat provides essential calcium essential for bone and joint health.
Meat contains enzymes which aid digestion and metabolism, making it especially helpful for dogs with digestive issues or who suffer from constipation.
When transitioning your pup over to fresh dog food, it is best to start slowly and gradually increase the amounts. Before beginning any new diet regiment for your canine companion, always consult with their vet; they may offer valuable insight into what might work for both budget and lifestyle considerations.
Vegetables
Fresh dog food containing abundant vegetables helps ensure regularity in pet digestion systems while fighting disease in their digestive systems. Furthermore, it’s easier for canines to digest these fresh foods than commercially prepared ones which contain grains and fillers as these are less digestible for their bodies.
Vegetables provide essential nutrition, such as vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients – including antibacterial, anti-aging, and cancer fighting properties.
Dark leafy green vegetables such as kale are packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including antioxidants that fight inflammation and oxidative stress, helping reduce risk for age-related diseases.
Vegetables can be fed raw or cooked, depending on your preference. Always wash and peel any vegetables before offering them to your pet.
Fruits
Fruits can make an excellent addition to your pet’s diet, providing essential vitamins and nutrients necessary for overall good health and happiness. But it’s important to know which fruits are safe for your pup before adding any to his or her bowl.
Grapes, raisins, avocadoes, figs and orange and lemon tree seeds, peel, leaves or stems are among the most toxic fruits to avoid as they may cause gastrointestinal irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. It is wise to refrain from eating these items entirely as this can reduce gastrointestinal irritation or allergic reactions altogether.
Other fruits which can be toxic for dogs include rhubarb, onion, garlic, wild mushrooms and corn – these should only be included in their diet with approval from their veterinarian.
Fruits can add sweetness to fresh dog food, but be aware they contain high levels of sugar and should only be given in small doses. Also be sure to wash and cut fruits into bite-size pieces to prevent choking risks.
Other Ingredients
Commercial dry dog foods contain excessive starch content, which is detrimental to their health. Starchy grains cause inflammation within their bodies and reduce immunity.
An abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables can help support their immune system while maintaining an ideal body weight for them.
Fresh foods also tend to look more appetizing and natural than their ultra-processed counterparts, making it easier for you to identify ingredients and feed your dog.
Pet fresh food should be chilled to maintain shelf-stability; unlike commercial foods, however.
