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Your dog’s diet should contain a variety of different elements (protein, offal, superfoods, omegas etc.), which when teamed together, create a diet rich in essential nutrition that contributes to optimal bodily functions and ideal mental and physical health.

We know that the world of canine nutrition can get a bit confusing at times, so we’ve put together this list of dog diet must-haves that you can use to analyse your dog’s diet and ensure they’re getting the best they can.

Does your dog's food contain high-quality protein?

Protein is the single most important nutrient in a dog’s diet and contributes to the health function of nearly every function and process in the body. High-quality protein needs to be the main component of your dog’s daily food.

Not only is high quality protein important – but a variety of different proteins is. Consuming the same protein meal after meal not only provides a boring eating experience for your dog, but it can also trigger allergies or intolerances later on in life. A raw diet containing varied protein sources is the ideal way to obtain all amino acids and nutrients needed for a happy and healthy dog.

How can I ensure my dog gets enough protein?

Nutriment’s extensive range of specially formulated recipes contain an array of high-quality proteins including chicken, beef, lamb, turkey, duck, salmon and rabbit to ensure a balanced and exciting diet for your dog. You can explore the full range of products on our website.

Does your dog's food contain 10% offal?

We know offal doesn’t sound very appealing, but it is jam-packed with nutrients that make it a dog diet must-have. Offal is the organ meat of animals, and includes kidney, liver, heart and tripe. Offal contains Vitamins A, B (2, 6, 12) & C, riboflavin, zinc, selenium, copper, iron, folate, niacin, omega-3 fatty acids, protein and enzymes – an impressive list of nutrients essential for dogs to live healthy lives.

A complete diet for dogs should include around 10% offal, of which 5% is liver.

How can I ensure my dog gets enough offal?

Nutriment includes offal in a variety of different formulations because of its incredible nutritional profile. For DIY diets, or foods lacking offal, you could try Just Offal.

Does your dog's diet contain 10% bone?

Ground bone is a fantastic source of calcium and phosphorus, which are both important nutrients for a wide range of body parts and functions. Bone also helps to create healthy, firm stools that empty anal sacs efficiently. It is essential that a dog is fed the correct ratio of calcium to phosphorus, and bone can help to ensure this. As a rule, around 10% of your dog’s diet should be bone.

How can I add more bone to my dog’s diet?

If your dog’s diet is lacking in ground bone, then adding a supplement such as Leo & Wolf BARF Complete for Dogs can help to boost your dog’s calcium and phosphorus intake at the appropriate ratio. In addition, raw bones make great snacks which can help support dental and mental health.

Or, by switching to our complete formulas you can ensure you’re providing the correct amount of bone in your dog’s diet.

Does your dog get superfoods and low-sugar fruit and vegetables in their diet?

Superfoods, fruits and vegetables are packed with nutrients and antioxidants that contribute to optimal overall health. Dogs can benefit hugely from being fed raw, natural, biologically appropriate superfoods, fruit and veg that complements their main meal protein. Vegetables should make up around 15% of the overall diet to ensure enough fibre, vitamins and minerals are provided. 80/10/10 (Meat/Bone/Offal) recipes are often considered to be ‘complete’, however they tend to lack essential nutrients found in vegetables and superfoods (unless made with organic ingredients).

How can I ensure my dog gets nutrients from fruit and veg in their food?

Nutriment’s carefully formulated Leo & Wolf supplement range includes a variety of nutrients and health-supporting ingredients that can boost the nutritional profile of any meal. For DIY diets, try adding fresh veg to the bowl, or for simpler ways of feeding our complete formulas contain perfectly balanced veg and superfoods ratios.

Does your dog's food contain Omega 3 and 6?

Omega 3 and 6 essential fatty acids are responsible for optimal skin and coat health, cardiovascular/ heart health, immune health, brain function and joint function. This is particularly important for growing puppies and ageing dogs. Omega 3 and 6 should be balanced, just like in our core range of products.

How can my dog get more omegas 3 and 6 in their diet?

Omega 3 and 6 essential fatty acids are naturally found in oily fish. You can increase your dog's oily fish intake with our Salmon and Turkey recipe, or Sprats. Alternatively, you can try our Leo & Wolf 4-in-1 Complete supplement, which has been specifically developed to support coat, gut, skin and joint health.

Does your dog's food contain grains, rice, cereals or fillers?

This is a trick question! Dogs absolutely do not need grains, rice or cereals in their diets. Their digestive systems were not designed to consume and break down these types of foods, and therefore they can cause all sorts of negative side effects from weight gain and lethargy to allergies, skin conditions, digestive issues and more.

How can I cut grains out of my dog’s diet?

All Nutriment raw food products are naturally grain-free and simply contain the most nutritious and high-quality raw ingredients and nutrients that support happy and healthy dogs.

Don’t forget that our fully qualified, in-house canine nutritionists are available to discuss any aspect of your dog’s diet. Get in touch with us to find out what your dog’s diet is missing and how we can help!