We feed our dogs a Prey Model-style Species Appropriate Raw Food diet (SARF). So, what exactly do our little canine carnivores eat?
For a naturally balanced diet, they get a variety of human-grade raw meat, bones, and organs. Proteins such as chicken, beef, and pork (anti-biotic, hormone-free, and grass-fed as much as possible); home-raised rabbit, goat, and lamb; wild game; various organs; sardines and mackerel.
Most of the meat is in chunks large enough to have to gnaw on in order to keep their teeth clean and gums healthy. They also enjoy non-GMO eggs from our hens; and our raw goat’s milk as a treat.
Occasionally they receive supplements like bovine colostrum, a 5-herb mix, soil-based probiotics, and digestive enzymes specifically for canines.
Feeding a raw diet does take a bit of extra time and forethought. By feeding our dogs only natural foods that are biologically active and species-appropriate, their internal and external body condition is increased. The likelihood of them developing disease is greatly reduced. Visits to the veterinarian due to problems are nil. They fairly glow with health!
Here are some of the many benefits we have seen feeding a Species Appropriate Raw Food diet:
Improved quality and length of life due to greater health.
Improves mental and physical well-being.
Stronger immune system, less money spent treating disease.
Sparkling white teeth, healthy gums, fresher breath.
Organ health reduces the incidence of chronic disease.
Fewer, small stools with little or no odor.
Shiny coats with less shedding and body odor.
Eliminates/reduces skin allergies.
Full control over preservatives and chemicals.
Ideal for weight management.
Balances energy.
Live enzymes in real food enhance digestion.
Fewer parasites, parasites do not thrive on or in healthy animals.
The photo shows a simple meal of chicken and half a sardine for one of our Havanese; the black powder is soil-based probiotics. This represents half of one dogs’ daily amount. As you can see the meat is cut off the bone, and left in 1-inch pieces. I do this because I don’t like how messy their beard gets otherwise!
And in case you are wondering, it is being served in one of my Pfaltzgraff bowls that got cropped and cracked! We usually use stainless steel bowls but I actually prefer this type now.
By the way, Shiloh had this finished, thigh bone and all, in about 2 minutes flat! That’s my boy.