Wolf dogs and hybrids require special diets that differ significantly from that of standard dog food; even low-carb kibbles do not provide enough protein or fat for these creatures.
To compensate, provide them with fresh meat on a regular basis if possible – frozen products are also an option!
Contents
Meat
Wolf-hybrid dogs require more than standard dog food – they require an exact replica of the natural eating habits of wild wolves.
Raw meat should form the cornerstone of any wolf dog diet. This should include beef, lamb and poultry – and avoid pork altogether as its difficult digestibility can lead to pancreatic issues in dogs.
Ideal meat sources should come from domestic animals that were raised humanely, without hormones and antibiotics. Wolf dogs especially enjoy feeding on chicken carcasses, backs, wings, necks and legs; raw pork bones (though be wary as these can splinter), backs and wings as well as leg meat (but be cautious because these may splinter!).
Organ meats such as liver are an ideal source of nutrients for wolf dogs. You may feed these raw or cooked, although in large amounts as it can be difficult to digest.
Fish
Wolves aren’t limited to being carnivorous; they can also find nutrition from eating fish. Fish is an abundant and concentrated source of essential minerals your dog requires for overall wellbeing, without the need for lengthy lists of synthetic supplements.
These treats are extremely palatable, nutritious and an ideal way to keep teeth clean as dogs gnaw on layers of fish skin. Not only are they long lasting and easy to digest; all breeds of dogs can enjoy them.
Many kibble-fed dogs and puppies carry unhealthy body fat and lack muscle mass, while when transitioned onto raw food they typically lose unhealthy fat while simultaneously building muscle mass. At first they may seem hungry but this should resolve itself within two months or less.
Vegetables
Vegetables make an excellent addition to a raw diet for dogs. Packed full of essential vitamins and nutrients, veggies help ensure they feel full for longer. Try including root vegetables such as carrots, beets and sweet potatoes into their meal as these are easy for their digestive systems.
Wolves in the wild are true carnivores. However, they do consume some plant materials such as grass, leaves and berries as well as prey animal stomach contents [1, 2, 3] from kill sites as well as leftover waste products from those kill sites [1.].
Owners often provide their wolves with chopped vegetables, fruits and other safe treats in a blend, stored in an ice cube tray for easy access on hot days or added directly into their kibble diet.
Fruits
Wolf dogs may have become domesticated over time, yet they remain obligate carnivores; meaning their bodies best utilize fat and protein from animal sources as a food source.
Wolves, like other canines, require carbohydrates in their diet; however, these should come from sources other than fruit. Grain starch does not provide sufficient carbohydrates as dogs do not possess the gene to digest it effectively.
However, wolves and wolf-dogs do enjoy some fruits such as bananas, cantaloupe and watermelons. Apricots contain high levels of potassium while blackberries boast antioxidants and fiber. Finally, colostrum provides excellent immune-boosting antibodies which protect against parasites found inside wolf dogs.
Supplements
Most captive wolf and wolf-dog sanctuaries have discovered that providing nutritional supplements such as glucosamine for arthritis relief, fish oil, vitamin C, alfalfa greens, wheatgrass, pumpkin and garlic is necessary to maintaining their animals’ health and keeping their diet fresh and enjoyable. These supplements can also make meal time more exciting!
Wolves are true carnivores and require large amounts of raw meat in order to survive in their environment. Wolves hunt and consume large ungulates such as deer, elk, moose and bison as food sources in nature.
They eat both bones, hides and entrails as well as muscle meat from raw chicken carcasses, backs, necks, legs, wings and organ meat – especially raw chicken carcasses with hard bones for chewing that help strengthen teeth and jaws. Natural green-lipped mussel powder supplement may be an effective way to support healthy joints.
