Nutrition
Nutrition is something I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about over the years because, like most dog owners, I want my dogs to live long, healthy lives.
I’ve explored a lot of different feeding approaches. At one point, I was very interested in some of the smaller dog food companies because I liked the idea of simpler ingredients and a more natural approach. Over time, after talking with veterinarians and learning more about canine nutrition, I realized there isn’t one perfect food for every dog.
Today, I prefer a balanced approach. I use a well-researched kibble as the foundation of my dogs’ diet and add fresh homemade foods for extra variety. For me, it’s the best of both worlds.
Our Base Diet
Our dogs are primarily fed Purina Pro Plan large breed formula.
This food is developed by veterinary nutritionists and supported by years of research and feeding trials. Using a well researched food gives me confidence that my dogs are receiving balanced levels of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that support healthy growth, digestion, joints, skin, and coat.
Fresh Homemade Food
Along with kibble, our adult dogs also receive a homemade topper made from fresh ingredients. Some of the ingredients I commonly use include:
elk or deer meat, eggs, sardines, brown rice, sweet potatoes, carrots, green beans, spinach, pumpkin, broccoli, spinach, blueberries
These ingredients provide natural protein, healthy fats, fiber, antioxidants, and additional nutrients. The homemade portion is meant to complement the kibble, not replace it.
Why Not Feed 100% Homemade?
While fresh food has many benefits, it can be difficult to perfectly balance a fully homemade diet. There is nutrition is things such as organs, bones, and tissues that are not always included in homemade meals.
Well researched kibble already contains carefully balanced vitamins and minerals. By combining kibble with fresh homemade foods, we are able to provide both reliable nutrition and the benefits of whole ingredients.
Feeding Our Puppies
Our puppies are raised on Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Puppy food.
Large breed puppies need carefully balanced nutrition to support proper bone and joint development, and large breed puppy formulas are designed specifically for this stage of growth.
Puppies are gradually introduced to softened kibble during the weaning process and are fully eating solid food before going to their new homes.
Our Approach
Nutrition is always evolving, and I’m sure there will always be new research and new ideas to consider. For now, this is the approach that has worked well for my dogs, and I’m happy with the results I’ve seen.