The goal of raw feeding is to complete the dog's entire diet from natural sources: vitamins and minerals, sufficient proteins, and so on.
Sometimes, however, issues or problems appear that do not always resolve with basic measures. In that case, it is worth including different dietary supplements in the feeding plan.
The overall feeding approach is always influenced by the dog's age, size, breed, activity level, and different illnesses or other limitations. Most commonly, in raw feeding one uses several of the following natural additions: different vegetables, dried berries such as sea buckthorn, rosehip, cranberry, Kelp (Ascophyllum nodosum), nettle and other green powders and herbal powders, brewer's yeast, apple cider vinegar, supplements that support stomach function and digestion such as high-fibre groats and grains like barley, seeds such as chia, hemp, flax, bentonite clay, dandelion root, plant and fish oils as well as animal fats and egg.
Check vitamins and minerals
Vitamins are divided into fat-soluble and water-soluble vitamins. Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) are stored in the body, so it is not necessary to get them daily; instead, their intake can be ensured over a longer period. Fat-soluble vitamins obtained from supplements can be stored in the body, and it is also possible to overdose on them. When vitamins come from natural sources directly through food, there is no risk of overdose; the body uses what it needs and the rest leaves the body naturally. With industrially produced pills and powders, you need to be more careful.
Vitamin A supports vision, the normal function of cell membranes, the skeleton, and the body's own immune defence. A natural source of vitamin A for dogs is liver. The precursor of vitamin A, carotene, is found for example in carrots, rowan berries, yarrow, dandelion leaves, and sea buckthorn.
A dog needs B vitamins, among other things, to maintain the body's normal function, for metabolism, and for energy production. The different B vitamins are easily supplemented with brewer's yeast, which also contains chromium and gut-friendly yeasts. Pollen also contains plenty of B vitamins and many other vitamins.
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that enhances the absorption of other vitamins and minerals and supports the body's immune defence. It also helps prevent heart disease and promotes the development of teeth, gums, the skeleton, and joints. Vitamin C is abundant, for example, in rosehip.
Vitamin D is involved, among other things, in regulating the body's calcium and phosphorus balance. Natural sources of vitamin D are fatty fish and cod liver oil. If their role in the dog's diet is small or they cannot be given at all, vitamin D should be provided as a supplement. The precursor of vitamin D, ergosterol, can be obtained from Iceland moss.
Vitamin E functions as an antioxidant that protects cells from the harmful effects of free radicals (including lactic acids caused by physical performance). Vitamin E is obtained to some extent from plant oils and wheat germ, but it is often a justified addition to nutrition. Especially with an oil-rich diet, the need for vitamin E increases. According to research, natural vitamin E is absorbed up to 1.5 times more efficiently compared to synthetically produced vitamin E, and therefore a much smaller amount is sufficient.
Zinc is one of the most commonly used supplements for dogs regardless of feeding method, because a deficiency may affect, among other things, the skin, coat, and paws. A dog gets zinc from meat, but even a meat-fed dog may develop a need for additional zinc. Pumpkin seeds also contain zinc. The most common signs of zinc deficiency are a thin and poor-quality coat, balding around the eyes, and poor condition of the paw pads. Skin condition is also influenced by fatty acid supplements, as well as diatomaceous earth and MSM, which participates in cellular rebuilding.
Other commonly used supplements include, for example, various joint-supporting nutrients such as MSM, rosehip, glucosamine, chondroitin, turmeric, devil's claw, and different blends such as Joint Buddy, Joint Force Gluco, and Joint Force Curcumin+ HA. Nutrients that support gut health include brewer's yeast, dandelion root, fenugreek seed powder, Tummy Saver, and different oils and omega-fatty-acid-containing nutrients such as hemp oil and flaxseed oil.
If a dog for some reason cannot eat raw bone material at all, or if bone material is intentionally not added to the food, calcium must then be given in the form of a prepared supplement. In that case, the recommendation is, for example, to give a multivitamin that also contains a source of calcium. Nettle and beetroot are good sources of calcium.
Fats as Support in a Raw Feeding Diet
Omega fatty acids are important, among other things, for a dog’s skin, coat, and overall energy supply. As a general guideline, various fats are recommended to complement a raw feeding diet, with fish oils being among the most commonly used options. Omega fatty acids are best ensured through plant-based oils such as hemp oil and flaxseed oil. Particularly omega-3 fatty acids are also obtained efficiently from fish oils.
Especially during the winter months, adequate fatty acid supplementation can help prevent dryness and flaking of the dog’s skin. Omega-6 fatty acids play a key role in supporting skin health, and they are found in abundance, for example, in hemp oil.
