Are you feeding your dog liver, heart, lung and other organs?

You may have noticed that I don't promote oily fish, liver, raw meaty bones, dried chicken/duck feet, heart, lung or other organs (treats or raw) as regular bowl boosters for commercial foods.

Why do I focus on lean meats/poultry, fruit, veggies and leafy greens as main daily bowl boosters?

Due to the significant fortification of kibble with vitamins and minerals, and the wide variation in nutrient amounts among manufacturers, it is crucial to note that while AAFCO sets minimum standards, maximums are rarely specified - which raises concerns. This becomes particularly important if your dog tends to consume food at the upper limit of the recommended feeding guidelines.

Additionally, the majority of commercial raw food (that is balanced), adheres to AAFCO guidelines, resulting in increased bioavailability and nutrient absorption without maximum AAFCO limits. It is important to note that formulations labeled as suitable for All Life Stages must also meet the higher nutritional requirements for puppies and growth stages.

While I don't concern myself with water-soluble vitamins that are not stored in the body, I do pay attention to fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamin D and A, as well as minerals like copper. The belief that it's impossible to consume excessive nutrients when consuming whole foods instead of synthetic ones is inaccurate.

Dogs on kibble or commercial raw diets do not require additional calcium from raw meaty bones. This is because it can disrupt the calcium:phosphorus ratios and affect mineral interactions. For oral health, it is recommended to choose appropriate recreational bones if your dog can tolerate them. As previously mentioned, high calcium levels can hinder zinc absorption. Zinc and copper act as antagonists, meaning when one decreases, the other increases and vice versa. Maintaining the proper ratio of zinc to copper is important, and excess calcium can interfere with this balance. Given the current concerns about excess copper levels, it is crucial not to compromise zinc absorption.

Most kibble diets could benefit from a protein boost. Lean muscle meats such as chicken or turkey breast, lean ground beef, and eggs are good options for this purpose. Kibble and meat/bone diets often lack antioxidants, which can be supplemented with various vegetables and berries. These foods not only provide anti-cancer benefits but also offer prebiotic fiber that is beneficial for your dog's gut health. Oily fish is rich in nutrients, but it is important not to overfeed it as it can add excess calories. Sardines are a nutritious choice, but moderation is key as too much can lead to an imbalance.

Nutrient-dense foods should form the foundation of homemade fresh diets, while other foods can be added as occasional toppers. It is essential to consider what nutrients your base food provides and what it may lack. Many people tend to feed an excessive amount of nutrient-dense organs as treats or toppers. While dogs enjoy them, these foods are highly concentrated in nutrients, so only small amounts are needed to meet requirements. Therefore, they are best incorporated into a properly formulated fresh food diet. (By the way, I follow NRC guidelines rather than AAFCO guidelines).

Remember that marketing comes into play, even with treats and toppers - ie.freeze dried or dehydrated lung, liver and heart. Enhance with some fresh foods like I've mentioned above that are easy for you to find - include probiotic rich foods like fermented veggies, yogurt or kefir and you will truly be boosting the bowl.