Natural Feeding- Dogs and Cats
We all know the old saying ‘we are what we eat’, and if this is the case, then it is no wonder that our loyal companions are suffering from such a variety of acute and chronic health complaints.
Can you imagine living on take away food your whole life? Some animals have never eaten any fresh food, living on processed foods totally. It is certainly possible to do, but you could not expect to be feeling fantastic all the time on this type of food, and it is unlikely that you would live to a grand old age. Health authorities all agree that we need to eat fresh food for good health and longevity.
While processed food for dogs and cats certainly is very convenient, at what cost, does this time saving practice have for your animal’s health? The argument between the ideal food for dogs and cats (real meat & bones, etc or processed dry or tinned food) is much like the question of ideal food for babies (human breast-milk or baby formula)? We have realised there is no further argument on the latter and in time, we will realise the mistaken beliefs for our pets also. Think about it!
The basis of a healthy diet for an adult dog or cat should consist of fresh raw meat and offal, raw bones and vegetables. A good nutritional supplement blend should be added for additional vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids.
If you have a small dog or cat, then it is generally easier to prepare meals for the week in one go and freeze in daily portions. Simply remove the following days meal and place in the fridge to defrost, so that it is ready to serve at the required mealtime.
For larger dogs, or multiple dog households, then you can either prepare fresh each day or in advance if freezer space is available.
It takes less than two minutes to place some vegies into the food processor, give a quick whiz, add a little meat, whiz again, place into bowl, add a sprinkle of nutritional supplement powder and add a bone and serve.
This includes washing the food processor bowl also. So for the amount of time it takes to make yourself a cuppa, you can prepare wholesome food for your dog or cat, and less time if you prepare a weeks supply in advance.
Many stores now stock frozen BARF patties and similar raw food diets ready to serve so there is no excuse to not feed your animals as nature intended. It will not only save you money on vet bills down the track but they will feel much healthier.
Our companions do not ask for much in return for all the love and friendship they give us, so allow a couple of minutes a day to give your best friend the healthy life they deserve, so they can feel good all the time and live a long and happy life. Nature has provided for all species and canines or felines are no exception to this. It’s not a lot to ask for, and they all deserve it, don’t they?
To compliment a natural raw food diet you can use natural supplements to add extra vitamins and minerals to ensure your animals are not missing out on valuable nutrients
Natural pet treats from HerbTrader – healthy treats for dogs and cats.
Natural Diet for Dogs
Dogs should be fed on a Natural Diet Consisting of raw, Natural Food. Processed, Canned and dry foods are not recommended for optimum health.
RAW MEAT & BONES - Approx. 60 -70% DAILY RATION
- Free-range Chicken, rabbit, mutton, duck, roo, lamb, turkey and beef. All should be fed with the bones and some of the fat left on.
- Cooked bones should never be fed to dogs. Raw meaty bones are safe to feed to dogs. In the wild, dogs ate bones of small and large animals with no problems.
- Fresh or lightly steamed fish with bones removed.
- Free range organic chicken livers, heart or other offal once or twice fortnightly.
- Free range eggs, including the shell if the dog likes them. No more than 2 or 3 per week.
VEGETABLES, FRUIT & SPROUTS –Approx. 30 - 40 % DAILY RATION
- Raw vegetables finely minced or pureed, include carrot, celery, beetroot, sweet potato, cauliflower and broccoli stems and leaves, zucchini, parsley, wheat grass or other vegies.
- Avoid feeding any onions and it is best to also avoid tomato, potato, avocado & eggplant.
- Sprouted grains and seeds are a rich source of nutrients.
- Any soft, ripe fruits that your dog likes.
NATURAL DIET FOR CATS
Cats are strict carnivores and have a high protein requirement. Their diet should be totally raw, and not contain any canned or dry foods. They can not survive on a vegetarian or vegan diet.
RAW MEAT - 90% DAILY RATION
- Chicken, rabbit, turkey, including bones and fat. Never feed cooked bones. Raw bones are safe as long as they still have some meat on them and are served at room temperature.
- Mutton, lamb and beef chopped into large pieces to encourage chewing. Mince is not recommended as it usually contains preservatives.
- Fresh or lightly steamed fish with bones removed. Small fish like sardines and pilchards may be served whole.
- Free-range eggs occasionally.
- Free-range organic chicken livers, heart or other offal once per week.
VEGETABLES - 10% DAILY RATION
Nutrition
Greenpet - Australian supplier of healthy food and treats for animals.
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