Why Should You Consider Feeding Your Raw-Fed Dogs Complete Meals of Fruits?
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Ever wondered about the benefits of adding fruits to your dog's diet?
While we're not advocating for a full-on vegan regimen, incorporating fruits alongside raw meat can have some surprising advantages for our furry companions.
Picture this: there are raw feeding approaches that endorse the inclusion of ripe fruits alongside meat, never mixing the two in the same meal to avoid potential digestive issues. But for many of us, the idea of a dog munching solely on fruits for a day might seem far-fetched.
However, before you dismiss the idea, consider this: serving fruits separately from other foods can actually be incredibly beneficial.
It can aid in better nutrient absorption, prevent stomach upset, and avoid indigestion. Ripe fruits, in particular, are easier on your dog's digestion, thanks to their higher digestibility and simpler sugars.
But the perks don't stop there. Feeding fruits as standalone meals can also:
● Support gut health and immunity
● Provide a break from raw meat, promoting digestive rest
● Increase hydration and supply essential nutrients like potassium
● Help regulate protein intake and reduce excess fat from commercial raw meat
● Offer a range of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants not found in meat alone
Plus, incorporating fruits can be a cost-effective way to enhance your dog's diet, allowing you to invest in higher-quality meat and ensuring your furry friend gets a well-rounded nutritional profile.
And the evidence speaks for itself.
Over four years of feeding fruits alongside raw meat to our English Bulldogs, we've seen noticeable improvements in their health and vitality.
But why fruits specifically? Well, while dogs are anatomically carnivores, they also
possess metabolic traits of omnivores. This means they can benefit from the nutrients found in fruits, unlike strict carnivores like cats. In the wild, wolves often consume the stomach contents of their herbivore prey, providing them with pre-digested plant matter for better nutrient absorption.
So, next time you're planning your dog's meals, don't overlook the power of fruits. Whether it's for a change of pace or to boost their overall health, adding a variety of fruits to their diet might just be the missing ingredient for a happier, healthier pup.