I am a veterinarian who feds our five dogs a raw diet, and I strongly encourage each of you to research fresh raw (or even cooked) diets to learn how they could would benefit your pups. Personally, I feed our five dogs Dr. Harvey’s base mixes (Paradigm, Canine Health and Raw Vibrance), humanely-raised proteins from Raw Feeding Miami, and high-quality oils such as Dr. Harvey’s Health and Shine Omega-3, Dr. Harvey’s Health and Shine Salmon and Krill, organic coconut oil, and organic olive oil.
Rosie, the featured doggie of this article, also gets Dr. Harvey’s Solaris, Relax Herbal Supplement and Coenzyme Q10. Solaris is a mushroom and herbal supplement that helps support her cellular and immune system. Relax Herbal Supplement calms and relaxes her throughout the day. Coenzyme Q10 is a heart supplement that supports her cardiovascular and immune function (especially important since she was heart worm positive when I adopted her).
For about a year, I have also been adding in whole food boosters from Primal Pet Foods, which include Goat Milk, Fresh Toppers and Market Mix Raw Toppers. I really enjoy giving our dogs these added supplements for extra variety to their diet, and I’ve made them clickable so you can see all their added nutrients and how they help support Rosie’s health.
More recently, I have also been adding Answers Pet Food’s supplements which include Raw Goat Milk, Fermented Raw Bone Broth, and Fermented Raw Cow Milk Kefir. These healthy supplements also add extra variety and health benefits to her diet. (Click to learn more!)
And now is where I must confess that Rosie is FAT. Yup, a raw fed dog that is fat. This may seem almost unheard of, but as you just read above, I have been including several extra boosters and liquid supplements to her meals.
All dogs’ metabolisms are different, and that statement is incredibly evident with Rosie. Our other four dogs still have an ideal body weight/shape even with all the extra goodies, but not Rosie!
Rosie, whom I adopted from an animal shelter three years ago, is a black lab and chow mix who currently weighs sixty-six pounds and is eight-years-young. Each of our five rescues have a unique personality and, well, Rosie is a “I like to be in the background and watch everything and not be too involved” kind of gal. While the other four dogs are running around the house and wrestling, Rosie is laying on her bed, silently judging their rowdy behavior. Rosie’s activity of choice is leisurely walking around the neighborhood, and her name fits her well, as she always wants to “stop and smell the roses.”
Between the daily doses of boosters and supplements and Rosie’s slow walking pace, her fate of becoming overweight was inevitable. According to the “Body Condition Score” listed below (which veterinarians use), I would say Rosie is a 7/9 on the chart.
Now, what am I going to do about it? For starters, I’m going to return to the basics, and more importantly, the essentials. These essentials include solely Dr. Harvey’s base-mixes, humanely raised proteins (from Raw Feeding Miami) and oils, and Dr. Harvey’s Solaris, Relax Herbal Supplement and Coenzyme Q10. Rosie has been on this essential regime since adoption, and it is a nutritious, complete, and balanced diet on its own. And, I’m upping Rosie’s exercise game. She will now enjoy her brisk neighborhood walks. I’ll report back on our success with updated weights and pictures!
Disclaimer:
After contacting Dr. Harvey’s to share the physical and mental health benefits that I witnessed after switching my dogs’ diets to Paradigm, Dr. Harvey’s has since given me free products from their lines of food, supplements, treats, and grooming essentials for my honest feedback. More recently, I have received payment for my ambassador role. Dr. Harvey’s products are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease.
I am also an ambassador for Primal Pet Foods, and receive free products in exchange for my dogs’ experience with their food.
All opinions expressed about the aforementioned companies in this and any other article I post may not represent the thoughts or opinions of the affiliated companies. In no way is this post or any other post intended to be a substitute for professional veterinarian advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Yes, I am a veterinarian, but I am not your pets’ veterinarian. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian with any questions you may have regarding the medical condition of your pet. Never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog
Dr. Julia Roach 