As a passionate dog owner, I understand the importance of providing my furry friends with a wholesome and nutritious diet. That’s why I have done extensive research on the best real food diet for dogs, aiming to ensure that my pets live a long and healthy life.
Real food, in my opinion, is the key to a dog’s overall well-being. By feeding them a diet that consists of fresh, high-quality, and natural ingredients, we can help them maintain a strong immune system, healthy weight, and optimal energy levels. This approach not only benefits their physical health but also enhances their mental and emotional state.
Throughout my journey of exploring different real food options for dogs, I have come across a variety of ingredients that are not only delicious but also highly beneficial for their health. From lean meats and fresh vegetables to wholesome grains and antioxidant-rich fruits, there are endless possibilities to create a balanced and nutritious diet that will keep our canine companions happy and thriving.
The Benefits of Feeding Your Dog a Real Food Diet
Feeding my dog a real food diet has brought numerous benefits to his overall health and well-being. One of the most noticeable benefits is improved digestion. Before switching to a real food diet, my dog used to have frequent digestion issues such as gas, bloating, and loose stools. Since transitioning to a diet of fresh, whole foods, his digestion has greatly improved, and he no longer experiences these uncomfortable symptoms.
Another significant benefit of feeding my dog a real food diet is increased energy levels. I have noticed that my dog has more energy and vitality since making the switch. He is more eager to go for walks, play fetch, and engage in other activities that he used to have less interest in. This increase in energy has also helped to maintain a healthy weight for my dog, as he is more active and burns off excess calories more effectively.
- Improved digestion: Real food diet helps to alleviate digestive issues such as gas, bloating, and loose stools.
- Increased energy levels: Dogs on a real food diet tend to have more energy and vitality, leading to a healthier weight and more active lifestyle.
What to Include in a Real Food Diet for Dogs
When it comes to feeding my dog a real food diet, I make sure to include a variety of nutrient-rich foods to keep him healthy and happy. One important component of his diet is lean protein sources such as chicken, turkey, and fish. These proteins provide essential amino acids for muscle development and overall health.
Along with proteins, I also include a variety of vegetables in my dog’s diet. Vegetables like carrots, green beans, and sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins and minerals that support his immune system and promote good digestion. I make sure to cook or puree the vegetables to make them easier for him to digest.
- Lean proteins: chicken, turkey, fish
- Vegetables: carrots, green beans, sweet potatoes
Best Real Food Choices for Dogs
One of the best real food choices for dogs is lean protein sources such as chicken, turkey, or fish. These protein sources are essential for muscle growth and maintenance in dogs, and can be easily digested. Make sure to remove any bones before feeding them to your pet.
Another great real food choice for dogs is fruits and vegetables. Some safe options include carrots, green beans, and blueberries. These foods are packed with vitamins and minerals that can benefit your dog’s overall health. Just be sure to avoid feeding them grapes, onions, or garlic as these can be toxic to dogs.
- Lean protein sources: chicken, turkey, fish
- Fruits and vegetables: carrots, green beans, blueberries
Transitioning Your Dog to a Real Food Diet
When transitioning your dog to a real food diet, it is important to do so gradually to avoid upsetting their stomach. Start by incorporating small amounts of real food into their current diet and gradually increase the proportion over time.
One way to transition your dog to a real food diet is by mixing in fresh vegetables, fruits, and lean protein sources like chicken or beef with their regular kibble. This can help them get used to the new flavors and textures while still getting the nutrients they need.
Steps to Transition Your Dog to a Real Food Diet:
- Start by adding a small amount of real food to your dog’s regular meals.
- Gradually increase the proportion of real food while decreasing the amount of kibble.
- Monitor your dog’s digestion and overall health during the transition period.
- Consult with your veterinarian for guidance on the best real food diet for your dog’s specific needs.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Feeding Your Dog a Real Food Diet
While feeding your dog a real food diet can provide many benefits, there are some common mistakes that pet owners should be aware of to ensure their furry friend receives all the nutrition they need.
1. Not Balancing Their Diet
It’s important to remember that dogs, like humans, require a balanced diet to thrive. Avoid feeding your dog only one type of food, such as meat, as this can lead to nutrient deficiencies. Make sure to include a variety of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, and vitamins in their meals.
- Include proteins like chicken, beef, and fish
- Add carbohydrates like sweet potatoes, brown rice, and quinoa
- Include healthy fats like coconut oil and olive oil
- Provide vitamins and minerals through fruits and vegetables
2. Overfeeding or Underfeeding
Another common mistake is not feeding your dog the right amount of food. Overfeeding can lead to obesity and related health issues, while underfeeding can result in malnourishment.
| Weight of Dog | Recommended Daily Food Amount |
|---|---|
| 10 lbs | 1/2 to 1 cup |
| 20 lbs | 1 to 1 1/2 cups |
| 50 lbs | 2 to 3 cups |
By avoiding these common mistakes and following a balanced real food diet plan, you can ensure that your dog remains healthy, happy, and full of energy for years to come.
Best Real Food Diet For Dogs
Barking Heads Complete Dry Dog Food 12kg - Adult All Hounder Fat Dog Slim Chicken - Natural Low Fat Weight Management for Overweight Dogs - Vet Approved
£58.80
Features
| Part Number | FDS12 |
| Model | BLT12 |
| Color | Chicken |
| Is Adult Product | |
| Release Date | 2011-06-01T00:00:01Z |
| Size | 12 kg (Pack of 1) |
| Language | English |


Hill Prescription Diet Canine Metabolic Weight Management Chicken 12 x 370g Tasty Balance Wet Food Obese Dogs Lose Weight & Maintain Healthy Weight
Features
| Size | 370 g (Pack of 12) |


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AETN Creations Prescription Diet Canine Gastrointestinal Biome in Chicken 6x354g Wet Food for Adult Dogs with Digestive Difficulties plus AETN Jerky Treat
Features
| Size | 1 count (Pack of 7) |


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The Hunger of the Wolf Dry Dog Food - For Overweight and/or Sterilised Dogs, Light Formula with Chicken, Adult - 14 kg
Features
| Part Number | 501010 |
| Model | 501010 |
| Release Date | 2019-12-23T00:00:01Z |
| Size | 14 kg (Pack of 1) |


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Healthy & Tasty Fresh Dog Food by Pets Love Fresh - 100% Natural - Real British Meat - Zero Preservatives - Simply Pork (5 x 600g chub rolls)
Features
| Size | 600 g (Pack of 5) |


Wellness CORE Adult Low Fat, Dry Dog Food, Dog Food Dry For Sterilised Dogs, For Weight Loss and Grain Free, High Meat Content, Turkey, 10 kg
Features
| Part Number | 10754 |
| Model | 10754 |
| Size | 10kg |


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ROYAL CANIN Veterinary Diet Dog Food Satiety Support 12kg
Features
| Part Number | 3182550731386 |
| Model | 3182550731386 |
| Is Adult Product | |
| Release Date | 2012-12-04T00:00:01Z |
| Size | 12 kg (Pack of 1) |
| Language | French |

| Price history for ROYAL CANIN Veterinary Diet Dog Food Satiety Support 12kg | |
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Hills Prescription Diet Canine Metabolic+Mobility Weight+Joint Care Adult Dry Dog Food with Chicken, 12 kg, for Overweight Dogs Suffering from Osteoarthritis
Features
| Size | 12 kg (Pack of 1) |

| Price history for Hills Prescription Diet Canine Metabolic+Mobility Weight+Joint Care Adult Dry Dog Food with Chicken, 12 kg, for Overweight Dogs Suffering from Osteoarthritis | |
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Hills Prescription Diet Dog Weight + Food Croquet Joint Health for Dog Chicken 4 kg
Features
| Part Number | 52742000626 |
| Model | 52742000626 |
| Release Date | 2017-02-28T00:00:01Z |
| Size | 4 kg (Pack of 1) |
| Language | Italian |


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Miraculous Meals Natural Complete Wet Dog Food. Grain Free, Gluten Free, Natural Ingredients, Fresh Fruit & Vegetables, Real Meat, Hypoallergenic. (36 x 400g Tin Bulk Pack, Variety)
Features
| Size | 400 g (Pack of 36) |


Question-answer:
What is the best real food diet for dogs?
The best real food diet for dogs typically includes a balance of high-quality proteins, fruits, vegetables, and grains. It is important to consult with a veterinarian to determine the specific dietary needs of your dog.
Are there any benefits to feeding my dog a real food diet?
Feeding your dog a real food diet can provide them with essential nutrients, reduce the risk of allergies, improve digestion, and promote overall health and wellbeing.
What are some examples of real food that can be included in a dog’s diet?
Some examples of real food that can be included in a dog’s diet are lean meats, such as chicken or beef, fruits like apples or bananas, vegetables like carrots or green beans, and grains like brown rice or quinoa.
How can I transition my dog to a real food diet?
To transition your dog to a real food diet, gradually introduce new foods and monitor their digestion and overall health. It is important to make the transition slowly to avoid any digestive upset.
