Raw
meat, fish and eggs
provide essential amino acids/protein, enzymes, antioxidants,
Vitamins A, C, D, E, K, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12, biotin,
choline, folic acid, inositol, iodine, pantothenic acid, paba, fatty
acids, caldium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, potassium,
chromium, copper, manganese, selenium, sodium, sulfur, vanadium, zinc
and CoQ10.
Raw
veggies
provide enzymes, antioxidants, betacarotene, carbohydrates, fiber,
phytochemicals, Vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, C, D, E, K, boron,
choline, folic acid, inositol, iodine, paba, pantothenic acid,
calcium, chromium, copper, iron, iodine, magnesium, manganese,
molybdenum, phosphorus, potassium, silicon, sodium, sulfur and selenium.
Because
of this, we don't supplement with many additional items. Below
are the supplements that we do add to our dog's daily diets. If
you are looking to purchase supplements, please use the
"Additional Links" link to the left.
Vitamin
C
If
you are only going to add one thing to your dog's existing diet,
make it vitamin C. And more specifically, Esther C.
Vitamin C is an immune booster and Ester C is a buffered form of
Vitamin C, which is easier on the stomach than regular C (ascorbic
acid). We give approx 500 mg of Esther C twice daily to our
Rottweilers. Vitamin C is water soluable, meaning that the body
will dispose of what it does not use. If you are finding loose
or watery stools, cut back on Vitamin C until they are firm
again. This is your dog's optimal dosage. Vitamin C is
particularly helpful during times of stress.
Vitamin
E
We
only supplement our breeding dogs with Vitamin E. It is used
for its' antioxidant properties. Vitamin E is not water
soluable and you CAN cause problems by over-supplementing. We
supplement with vitamin E only in active breeding dogs.
Kelp
Kelp
contains vitamins A, B1, B3, B5, B6, B9, B12, C and E, plus zinc,
viotin, bromine, calcium, choline, copper, inositol, iodine,
PABA, potassium, selenium, sodium and sulfur. Its iodine content is
very good for glands and organs, especially the thyroid and liver.
Essential
Fatty Acids (Oils)
Wild
Salmon, Hemp or Canola oils, as well as eggs are a good source of
the omega-3 fatty acids. Fatty Acids play a vital role in
establishing a healthy lipid barrier in the skin to block irritants
and infections. Remember that oils need to be kept
refrigerated. The general consensus is that rotating oils
provides the best results. You will note that we previously
listed Flaxseed oil, however, we have changed this, as we find it the
least well tolerated by our dogs.
Apple
Cider Vinegar
Of
the 22 minerals essential for health, apple cider vinegar contains
19 in exactly the right amounts. Included are potassium,
phosphorus, sodium, magnesium, sulphur, iron, copper, silicon and
pectin. ACV also contains natural malic and tartaric acids which are
important in fighting body toxins and inhibiting unfriendly
bacteria. There are claims that the additional acidity of ACV
helps the digestion process.
Garlic
We
include a pinch of fresh garlic in our dog's morning meals.
Garlic helps to enhance overall health and is a natural antibiotic,
while also serving to keep both internal and external parasites
away. There are varied theories about feeding garlic. We
do use it, but have found that, in breeding bitches, it is beneficial
to take them off of the garlic prior to breeding and whelping.
Yogurt/Probiotics
Probiotics
are beneficial bacteria which are already present in a healthy
intestinal system. Supplemental use yogurt can help
re-establish normal intestinal function. Yogurt is expecially
useful during times of stress which includes diet change. It is
also believed that Yogurt has immune boosting properties.
A
Note about Calcium
It
is our feeling that a large breed dog (especially puppies) should
never be supplemented with artificial calcium. This is because
it is crucial that calcium is in the proper ratio with
phosphorus. Supplementing with calcium offen sends the body
into imbalance. In the case where it has been determined that a
dog does indeed need calcium supplementation, we suggest
eggshells. Save your eggshells and crumble over food.
