Dogs are facultative carnivores. Like their wolf ancestors, whose diet comprised of 85-90% meat, primarily whole prey, which includes flesh, fur, bones, organs, and glands, small amounts of fish, and 10-15% grasses, nuts, berries, and other vegetation, most coming from the stomach contents of their small prey. This diet equals 49% protein, 44% fat, and 6% carbohydrates. Typical dry dog food contains 25% protein, 32% fat, and 43% carbohydrates.

Raw Meaty Bones

Raw meaty bones are critical to meeting a dog's nutritional needs. Bone supplies a natural source of calcium and is more bioavailable than a synthetic calcium supplement. Aside from the nutritional benefits of raw meaty bones, they provide natural teeth and gum cleaning, exercises for a dog's jaw, and mental stimulation. Dogs need the correct balance of phosphorus and calcium in their daily diets. The calcium-to-phosphorus ratio should be about 1:1 or even 1.1:1 with a little more calcium in the diet.

Phosphorus is provided in the meat, while the raw meaty bones provide calcium. If there is too much of either mineral, deficiencies will occur.

Raw meaty bones come in all shapes and sizes and are chosen to meet the needs of each individual dog.

Recreational bones are those just given to satisfy a dog's need to chew, they are not meant to be eaten.

Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs)

A dog's diet must include five essential fatty acids (EFA) because dogs cannot produce them.

It is well documented that excess Omega-6 can cause a series of disease states if the ratio is too high.A diet with a 4-1 or 5-1 of Omega-6 to Omega-3 is considered optimum for dogs. The majority of kibble diets contain ratios of 20-1 or higher.

Protein

Protein is essential for proper muscle function, organ function, and growth, particularly during pregnancy, lactation, and senior years. Protein is also crucial for all body systems to function well and maintain overall good health, including improving muscle growth and repair, boosting the immune system, and maintaining a healthy weight and satiety

Offal

Organ meat, often known as offal, is essential for a dog's diet as it provides nutrients for meat, and raw meaty bones may be lacking. We feed muscular and secreting organs in rotation for their varying benefits. Heart is a muscular organ which is calculated as a percentage of muscle meat fed. Liver is always fed in small amounts, as well as secreting organs such as kidney, spleen, brain, etc.

The liver is an excellent source of vitamin A, essential for growth and immunity. It also supplies the body with iron and copper, which aids in iron absorption. The liver also contains vitamin B12, which helps with red blood cell formation and development.

Organs are high in B vitamins, including B1, B2, B6, folic acid, and B12, which support the immune system. Minerals like phosphorus, iron, copper, magnesium, and selenium are abundant in organ meats. They also contain small levels of vitamin D and crucial fat-soluble vitamin A. Organ meat is vulnerable to heat, which destroys most of its nutritional content, so only raw, freeze-dried, or air-dried organ meats should be used

Seafood

Seafood in the diet benefits every organ system in your dog's body. Seafood is rich in selenium, iron, and zinc. Fish also often include many B vitamins. The omega-3 fatty acids in marine-sourced fats are essential for optimal canine health. Certain fatty fish also contain high vitamin D levels, a nutrient often deficient in dogs.

Natural Fiber

Fur, feet, and feathers are a source of manganese. This mineral performs various functions, including as a component and activator of enzymes and developing the organic matrix within the bone. It also is essential for reproductive, joint, and ligament health. Manganese is also vital for joint health. Manganese deficiency is the most common cause of CCL (cranial cruciate ligament) tears other than acute trauma.

Without access to fur or feathers, guardians can feed fresh vegetables and low-sugar fruits, at up to approximately 5% of the dog's diet. Vegetables provide prebiotic fibers that the bacteria residing in the gut microbiome use to produce short-chain fatty acids. Feeding cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and arugula provides gut-friendly fiber and numerous vitamins. Dark, leafy green vegetables contain calcium, potassium, and magnesium. Phytonutrients in plant matter are antimicrobial, anti-aging, and cancer-fighting compounds.

Understanding A Dog's Biological Needs