Supplements used in raw diets are a hot topic in the world of raw feeding. Not a day goes by when people do not debate the different uses of vitamins and oils.  I have created this guide to discuss the health benefits of supplementing your dogs diet and the various supplements available. Please remember, these are suggestions and not requirements. I have personally used them successfully and advocate supplementing your dogs diet, but that choice is still yours.

Oils

There are many kinds of oils you can supplement with. We only advocate the use of premium oils and use them ourselves. Oils have a number of benefits and can provide more than just a shiny coat.

Coconut Oil – Coconut oil is a fantastic addition to not only your dogs diet, but yours as well. First and foremost, Coconut Oil can ward off disease due to its antiviral, anti-fungal and antibacterial properties. When fed regularly, it is known to reduce allergies, prevent and treat skin infections, support the immune system and many other benefits. I suggest using every other day, dogs love it and you can easily add it to food. I suggest starting with a guide of 1/8 – 1/4 teaspoon per ten pounds a day, depending on how sensitive your dogs stomach is. You can easily adjust to fit your dogs needs.

Fish Oils – There are multiple fish oils available.  Whichever you choose, be sure that it is mercury free. If you are unable to find a mercury free product, substitute one of the other oils in this section. Fish oil is proven to aid in skin, coat, allergies and cancer. One human capsule a day will provide enough oils for dogs.  I use a pin to prick a whole in the capsule and disperse onto food. For cats and very small dogs, I suggest half a capsule.

Flaxseed Oil – Flaxseed is a substitute for fish oils, as it is rich in omega fatty acids and has no risk of being contaminated with mercury.  It provides the same benefits as fish oil and is dispersed onto food the same way. One capsule to food every other day is plenty to see benefits, you are welcome to use it daily.  I use it in tandem with coconut oil and feed every other day. As with the fish oil, you should use half a capsule for cats and small dogs.

Vitamins:

Vitamin E – This vitamin is a staple in my dogs diets. It is a wonderful way to treat and prevent disease, promotes healthy eyes and skin and among many other things, it has been successful in treating tumors. For cats, I suggest owners give up to 100 I.U. daily. Dogs come in many shapes and sizes. Thus, treatment for a small dog will be different than that of a large dog. For Treatment of Dogs: Under 15lbs – 100 I.U. Daily, 15 – 30lbs – 200 I.U. Daily, 31 – 45lbs – 300 I.U. Daily, 46 & Up – 400 I.U. Daily. I suggest feeding the above amounts every other day, unless treating disease. 

Vitamin C – Vitamin C is a fantastic tool for treating disease. I recommend that you use it to treat disease, but you may give it for maintenance if you wish. When treating disease, please seek advice from a holistic veterinarian. They will provide you with proper dosage and administration.  To give maintenance doses, I suggest giving your dog berries or fruit rich in vitamin C. It is not only a fantastic treat but provides great nutrients from juices.

Kelp Powders

Kelp and Kelp powder mixes are a fantastic addition to your dogs diet. It is a miracle supplement and can help reduce and prevent tumors, aid in treatment of arthritis and is an excellent anti-inflammatory. Kelp also helps prevent infections, maintain a beautiful coat and many, many other things. There are various brands of kelp on the market, but I suggest you find a human grade and USDA organic version of kelp. I use a simple kelp supplement from a local health food store.  Dosing is as follows:

Cats – 1/2 Teaspoon

Dogs – Up to 25lbs – 1/4 Teaspoon ~ 25lbs – 50lbs – 1/2 Teaspoon ~ 50lbs & Over – 1 Teaspoon.

A Few Warnings and Suggestions

When supplementing your dogs diet, please take care to read ingredients on all supplements. I do not advocate the use of children supplements. These supplements typically contain XYLITOL, an incredibly toxic additive to animals. I always suggest a USDA 100% Organic supplement over anything else, but with Fish Oil remember to only give mercury free capsules. I do not suggest using supplements that are marketed towards dogs and cats aside from Kelp. Pet supplements and food are not as well regulated by the FDA, it is much safer to use a product labeled for humans. At the very least, this product was inspected and approved. Pet supplements are not subjected to the same rigorous testing and enforcement that human supplements are.
Supplementing diets can be a very beneficial tool. Ultimately, it is your decision what you add to the diet of your dog or cat.

Disclaimer: The suggestions in this blog are based on experience and research. They are not meant to replace proper veterinary care.  Carnivore Carry Out suggests researching veterinarians in your area who may be of the holistic variety or who encompasses natural health and its relation to pets before beginning raw diets.  Just as in humans, no diet is one size fits all and a raw-friendly veterinarian may be best at deciding what is right for your pet.  Carnivore Carry Out assumes no responsibility or liability for the use of the information in this blog, as it is provided as a general resource and we are unable to monitor its use with all readers. If you have any concerns about your pet’s health, please contact your holistic veterinarian or other competent professional. Please note: If you have an issue with the website, NOT the blog, please contact the owner of the website – you can do so at carnivorecarryout.com. Thank you.