Raw Essentials on Raw Diets

12 Do Raw Diets need Supplements Added?

We are often asked whether dogs and cats on a raw diet require supplementation.

With a few exceptions, the answer is “No!” – if you follow these guidelines…

• The diet is well-planned; • The diet is species-appropriate: It consists of whole carcasses, or a selection of raw meat, bone, organs and tripe; • A variety of prey-sources (at least three different ones over a week) is offered; and • The prey-sources are high quality – the wilder the better (rabbit, wallaby, possum and hare are great).

The levels of nutrients that cats and dogs need for survival differ from the levels needed for optimal health. A carefully planned, prey-based diet will provide them with the correct nutrient proportions, in the most readily absorbable and utilizable form.

An inappropriate raw diet could lead to serious deficiencies. The diet must be well-planned! We recommend feeding a reputable processed diet, rather than a poorly-planned raw diet.

So, what are those exceptions we mentioned earlier? Many pets are changed to a raw diet in an effort to address existing health issues. Some of these pets may benefit from some supervised, short-term supplementation such as Omega-3 oils, to help bring inflammation under control, and Probiotics to re-establish healthy gut flora.

Omega-3 fatty acid (O-3FA) oils are popular for their anti-inflammatory effects. An effective source of O-3FAs is high-quality fish oil. Fish oils contain O-3FAs in a form that your dog and cat can readily use – unlike flaxseed oil. The O-3FAs in flaxseed oil need to be converted before they are of any use – and cats and dogs are very inefficient at this conversion.

We are here to help you get the very best out of raw-feeding, and to increase awareness among pet owners that optimal health can be achieved through the right diet.

Raw Essentials, Silverdale Village

We are enrolling new patients now and welcome new families to the Hibiscus Coast We also see casual patients if your Doctor is closed or may not be able to see you

Ph (09) 427 9997

7 Polarity Rise, Silverdale

(Corner of Millwater Parkway and Hibiscus Coast Highway)

Visit our website for more information

www.silverdalemedical.co.nz

Opening hours: Monday - Friday Service: 8am - 7pm Weekend Service: Sat - Sun 9am - 1pm Public Holiday Service: 9am - 1pm

Silverdale Medical is opening in Millwater Central soon! We invite you to enrol at Silverdale Medical now

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