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NATURAL REARING DIET
Overview of Natural Rearing Diet
The most nutritious food you can provide for your dog is a
Natural Diet. At Blackwolf Newfoundlands, we highly recommend feeding both puppies and adult dogs this diet, based on tried-and-true recommendations from Topmast's Newfoundlands.
Explore the following diet plans:
- Natural Rearing Adult Diet
- Natural Rearing Puppy Diet
Meat Feeding
Dogs are natural carnivores, designed to thrive on meat. In the wild, dogs fed on raw meat were remarkably healthy. Their bodies, including teeth for tearing, strong jaw muscles, small stomachs, and short intestines, are optimized for a meat-based diet. Raw meat is ideal for feeding because cooking diminishes essential nutrients and overworks the digestive system.
Key Points for Feeding Meat:
- Always feed raw meat to ensure maximum nutrition and prevent weakening of the digestive system.
- Dogs on cooked food diets often suffer from conditions like kidney failure, poor coat health, bad breath, and premature aging.
- Best meats include beef, horse meat, mutton, and whole rabbits (including hair and skin for added nutrition).
- For puppies under six months, feed lean meats. Organ meats like liver should be given sparingly, as they are too rich and may cause loose stools.
Liver: A rich source of energy and minerals, liver should only be fed when it's known to come from a healthy animal. Feed sparingly (no more than twice a week) as it can cause diarrhea.
Tripe: Best when raw and fresh, tripe is a great source of nutrition but becomes indigestible if frozen or cooked.
Bones: Raw bones act as a natural toothbrush for dogs, promoting jaw health and strengthening teeth. Soft bones (like ribs) are suitable for puppies, while harder marrow bones are fine for adults. Avoid bones that splinter, like poultry bones, and never feed bones on an empty stomach.
Eggs
Eggs are packed with essential minerals and vitamins. For added calcium, crush the eggshells and mix them into meals. Always feed eggs raw, as cooking diminishes their nutritional value. One egg every other day is sufficient for both adult dogs and puppies.
Cereal Feeding
While less important than meat, cereals provide vital minerals and vitamins, including Vitamin E, which supports fertility. Carnivorous animals naturally consume some grains through the stomach contents of their prey, so including cereals in your dog’s diet helps balance their nutrition.
Recommended Cereals:
- Oats: Excellent for iron and blood cleansing. Soak them in sour milk or cold vegetable stock overnight.
- Barley: A good source of antacid and magnesium, barley helps cleanse the blood, especially in hot weather.
- Rye: Rich in fluorine, rye supports strong teeth and nails and is ideal for overweight dogs.
- Corn: A valuable winter cereal. Pre-cooked, flaked corn provides energy and nutrition.
Milk Products
- Clabbered Milk: Sour milk has natural deworming properties. To make clabbered milk, allow milk to sit in a warm place, stirring regularly, until it naturally sours.
- Cheese: Fresh white or cottage cheese is a nutritious addition to a dog's diet, while solid yellow cheeses are harder to digest and should be avoided.
Vegetables Root
Turnips, parsnips, sweet potatoes, and artichokes are rich in vitamins and minerals. These vegetables should be cooked and mashed into cereal meals. Avoid feeding regular potatoes as they can cause gas and colic.
Carrots: Carrots are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals and can help expel worms. Feed both cooked and raw, grated carrots for best results.
Miscellaneous Additions
- Honey: A natural energy and heart tonic, honey provides immediate nourishment and is an excellent supplement for active dogs.
- Seaweed (Kelp): Seaweed is a great source of natural iodine, promoting healthy skin and coat, improving digestion, and enhancing pigment.
- Cod & Halibut Oils: These oils combat rickets and should be given sparingly during the winter months. Store oils in dark bottles to prevent spoilage.
- Tabasco Sauce: Occasionally adding a drop of Tabasco sauce to a dog's meal can help keep their intestines free of worms.
By feeding your dog a balanced Natural Rearing Diet, you can promote overall health, longevity, and vitality. These natural foods provide the essential nutrients your dog needs to thrive while avoiding many of the health issues that arise from processed or cooked diets.